Fun facts, Easter eggs, and secrets about the film
The film was shot under the working title "Non-View" to keep the project secret.
Principal photography lasted approximately 3 months (February-May 2025).
Filming took place in four locations: New Jersey, Atlanta, New York City, and Huntington.
This is Spielberg's first film since The Fabelmans (2022) — a 4-year gap.
The screenplay is based on Spielberg's original story, written by David Koepp.
David Koepp previously wrote Jurassic Park and War of the Worlds for Spielberg.
Cinematographer Janusz Kamiński has shot every Spielberg film since Schindler's List (1993).
This is John Williams' 30th collaboration with Steven Spielberg.
Williams is 93 years old — making this potentially his final film score.
Williams came out of retirement specifically because "when Steven calls, I answer."
Williams has scored all four of Spielberg's UFO/alien films.
The five-note motif from Close Encounters is one of cinema's most recognizable musical phrases.
Williams has won 5 Academy Awards and been nominated 54 times.
Emily Blunt plays a Kansas City meteorologist — the first Spielberg protagonist with that profession.
This is Emily Blunt's third alien movie after A Quiet Place and Edge of Tomorrow.
Josh O'Connor described the film as "old-school Spielberg" in interviews.
Colin Firth's first-look image shows electrodes attached to his head.
Eve Hewson is the daughter of U2's Bono.
Wyatt Russell is the son of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn.
Colman Domingo received his first Oscar nomination for Rustin (2023).
This is Spielberg's 4th UFO/alien film after Close Encounters, E.T., and War of the Worlds.
There's a 21-year gap since his last alien film (War of the Worlds, 2005).
Close Encounters (1977) was inspired by Spielberg's childhood UFO sighting.
E.T. started as a horror film concept called "Night Skies" before becoming family-friendly.
Spielberg's alien films have grossed over $2 billion worldwide combined.
The tagline "All Will Be Disclosed" appeared on mysterious billboards before the title was revealed.
The teaser trailer debuted with Avatar: Fire and Ash screenings.
The viral weather broadcast scene got 50+ million views in the first 48 hours.
The trailer reveals Emily Blunt's broadcast being hijacked by alien sounds.
The title "Disclosure Day" references real UAP disclosure terminology.
The film arrives as real UAP congressional hearings have occurred in the U.S.
The Pentagon officially released UFO footage in 2020 for the first time.
2023 saw whistleblower testimony about recovered non-human craft.
The timing of the film's release aligns with unprecedented public UAP interest.
Release date June 12, 2026 is a Thursday (previews likely June 11).
The film will release in IMAX — Spielberg's preferred premium format.
Universal Pictures is distributing — the studio behind E.T. and Jurassic Park.
June positions it as a major summer blockbuster — Spielberg's traditional slot.
The film will have a global day-and-date release in most markets.
Spielberg is 78 years old (born 1946).
This is approximately Spielberg's 35th feature film as director.
Spielberg has won 3 Academy Awards (2 Best Director, 1 Honorary).
His films have grossed over $10 billion worldwide.
The Spielberg-Williams partnership spans over 50 years.
Kristie Macosko Krieger has produced 8 Spielberg films.
The film's runtime has not been announced — speculation suggests 2+ hours.
No character names have been officially revealed — maximum secrecy.
The trailer's central question: "Would that frighten you?" hints at the film's theme.
The electrodes on Colin Firth suggest scientific study of alien contact.
The working title "Non-View" may reference something humanity wasn't meant to see.