Is Disclosure Day a Sequel to Close Encounters of the Third Kind?
The evidence, the denials (or lack thereof), and what it all means
When Steven Spielberg announced Disclosure Day, fans immediately noticed something suspicious: the film releases in 2026/2027—exactly 50 years after Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). Coincidence? Many don't think so.
What makes this theory compelling isn't just fan speculation. When screenwriter David Koepp was directly asked if Disclosure Day connects to Close Encounters, he refused to deny it.
The Evidence
STRONG The 50th Anniversary Timing
Close Encounters released on November 16, 1977. Disclosure Day releases in summer 2026, with promotional campaigns likely extending into 2027. This is exactly 50 years later—a milestone anniversary that Spielberg would be aware of.
STRONG David Koepp's Non-Denial
In multiple interviews, screenwriter David Koepp has been asked directly about a Close Encounters connection. Rather than simply saying "no," he has deflected, smiled, or changed the subject. In Hollywood, a non-denial is often as good as confirmation.
MEDIUM John Williams Returns
Legendary composer John Williams is scoring Disclosure Day. Williams composed the iconic five-note communication motif for Close Encounters. His return suggests musical continuity could be intentional.
MEDIUM Thematic Parallels
Both films center on: first contact with extraterrestrials, government secrecy, ordinary people as the first witnesses, and the question of communication with non-human intelligence.
CIRCUMSTANTIAL Spielberg's Legacy Pattern
Spielberg has shown willingness to revisit his classics: Jurassic World (produced), West Side Story (directed remake), Indiana Jones (continued). A spiritual sequel to Close Encounters fits this pattern.
How Could They Connect?
If Disclosure Day IS connected to Close Encounters, how might it work? Fans have proposed several theories:
Theory 1: Same Universe, Different Timeline
Disclosure Day could be set in a world where the events of Close Encounters happened but were covered up. The "disclosure" in the title could refer to the government finally admitting what happened at Devils Tower in 1977.
Theory 2: The Return
In Close Encounters, Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) left with the aliens. What if Disclosure Day involves the return of those who were taken—or their descendants?
Theory 3: Spiritual Sequel
Rather than a direct plot connection, Disclosure Day could be a "spiritual sequel"—exploring similar themes with new characters, set in a world that rhymes with Close Encounters without being literally connected.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Element | Close Encounters (1977) | Disclosure Day (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Steven Spielberg | Steven Spielberg |
| Composer | John Williams | John Williams |
| Theme | First contact | First contact / Disclosure |
| Protagonist | Ordinary person (electrician) | Ordinary person (meteorologist) |
| Government Role | Cover-up, eventual reveal | Cover-up, whistleblower |
| Alien Communication | Music/light sequence | Possession/telepathy (theorized) |
What Would a Connection Mean?
If Disclosure Day is indeed connected to Close Encounters, it would be one of the longest gaps between a film and its sequel in cinema history—50 years. It would also represent Spielberg bookending his career with the same story he helped define early on.
More importantly, it would recontextualize Close Encounters. The 1977 film ended on a note of hope and wonder. What has humanity learned in 50 years? What happens when the initial wonder fades and the reality of coexistence sets in?
Our Verdict
While a direct plot connection hasn't been confirmed, the evidence strongly suggests Disclosure Day is at minimum a spiritual successor to Close Encounters. David Koepp's non-denial and the anniversary timing are too deliberate to ignore.