The 2014 sci-fi space drama Interstellar was a major hit. It was critically well-received and, over time, became a cult classic. But did you know that Schindler’s List director Steven Spielberg was originally supposed to make the film? In a recent interview with Empire during his Disclosure Day press tour, the filmmaker revealed why he didn’t end up making the movie.
Steven Spielberg hired Christopher Nolan’s brother to write the script for Interstellar
Spielberg was attached to direct Interstellar in its early development phase and worked on the project for about a year. He brought in Jonathan Nolan, renowned filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s brother, to write the early drafts of the screenplay. Despite being fascinated by the concept of the movie, the writing didn’t stick with Spielberg.
“I actually hired Chris Nolan’s brother [Jonathan] to write the first and second draft for me, but it didn’t stick,” the Hollywood filmmaker said. However, midway through the project, Jonathan informed him that if he decided not to make the movie, Christopher Nolan would jump at the opportunity.
“Jonah actually said, ‘If there comes a point where you decide not to make this movie, I can tell you who’s gonna grab it. He’s already bugging me about it. And that’s my brother Chris,” Spielberg stated.
And lo and behold, he was proven right, as Christopher Nolan went on to helm the project as soon as Spielberg dropped out. The filmmaker further gave Nolan his plaudits, saying that the film couldn’t have been in better hands.
“He was absolutely right. The second I decided not to make it, Chris jumped on board, probably the next day. ‘Interstellar’ was a much better movie in Chris Nolan’s hands than it would have been in mine,” the veteran filmmaker said.
Nevertheless, Nolan’s version, rooted in scientific realism and emotional storytelling and wrapped in a high-concept narrative structure, went on to perform strongly at the international box office and saw strong repeat viewership. Although the film eventually became a long-term cultural phenomenon under Nolan, there are still fans who might wonder what Spielberg’s version might have been like, given his own extensive work in sci-fi.
What do you think a Spielberg-directed Interstellar would be like? Let us know in the comments section below.
