Steven Spielberg confirms he's working on a documentary about John Williams
The frequent collaborators have worked with each other for decades
Last updated 23rd Jan 2023
John Williams needs no introduction - being the brains behind some of the most beloved and recognisable film scores of all time puts him at the top of most people's lists of national treasures.
Having worked with director Steven Spielberg on countless films over the past 50 years, the pair are not only long-time colleagues, but good friends too - so it's no surprise that Steven is reportedly behind a brand new documentary on John's illustrious and enduring career.
In a recent interview, Steven was asked about the autobiographical nature of some of his films, and whether he'd be interested in telling the story of any of his colleagues - namely John.
He said: "We're actually making a documentary on John Williams' life, so that's going to be in the documentary form," before addressing his own career as a whole: "But I'm very eclectic - you look back at all my films, they're all pretty different, one from the next, and that really keeps me interested.
"I couldn't make the same kind of movies stylistically over and over again - if I had to do that, I'd go into radio." Well, we'd be pretty happy to have you here at Scala Radio, Steven!
Although not much more has been said on the subject of a John Williams documentary, we'll be sure to keep you updated as more news comes in. In the meantime, why not check out our dedicated John Williams station - Celebrating John Williams?
Who is directing the documentary?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Laurent Bouzereau will be taking on directing duties. Having worked on Mama's Boy: A stories From Our Americas based on Dustin Lance Black's memoirs, as well as Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind, Laurent has also worked with Steven Spielberg on "making of" and "behind-the-scenes" for many of his films before.
He's even made a documentary on Steven's friendship with John Williams before, 2017's Steven Spielberg & John Williams: The Adventure Continues - so it won't be particularly new ground for him.
The production companies involved are Amblin Television, Imagine Documentaries and Nedland Media, and the project is reportedly in "very early stages". Steven Spielberg is executive producing, with Ron Howard among others on board to produce.
Scroll through to see which 2023 film releases we're looking forward to:
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Release date: 17th February
Originally set for a 2022 release, the new film was pushed back to 2023, and was with us by February! The Marvel Studios film welcomed back Paul Rudd in his famous role of Ant-Man in the Marvel Universe.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Release date: 5th May
Another Marvel film to add to the collection, Guardians of the Galaxy returned for its third volume, as the gang rallied to defend the universe - and one of their own. Chris Pratt stars again in the film, alongside co-stars such as Dave Bautista and Will Poulter.
The Little Mermaid live-action remake
Release date: 26th May
Disney's highly-anticipated live-action remake of The Little Mermaid swam into cinemas in May 2023, starring Halle Bailey as the famous Ariel. Other stars featuring in the film include Melissa McCarthy, as Ursula, Daveed Diggs, as Sebastian, and Awkwafina, as Scuttle.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Release date: 30th June
Indiana Jones is back! Yep, Harrison Ford reprised his role as Indy in the fifth film of the franchise, following on from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull which was released way back in 2008!
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part One
Release date: 14th July
Tom Cruise returned as Ethan Hunt in the latest instalment in his Mission Impossible franchise. We were certainly treated to an action-packed film, with Tom sharing details of 'greatest stunt in cinema history' in some behind-the-scenes clips!
Barbie
Release date: 21st July
The highly-anticipated Barbie film landed in cinemas in July 2023, starring Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and plenty of other huge names, such as Will Ferrell, Helen Mirren, Michael Cera and Sex Education's Emma Mackey and Ncuti Gatwa.
Challengers
Release date: 15th September
It's no secret that pretty much any film featuring superstar Zendaya is a hit! And it looks like Challengers may be no different. The actress stars as a Tashi Donaldson in the upcoming romantic sports comedy-drama - a tennis player turned coach who becomes involved in a love triangle 'gone wrong'. Also starring will be names such as Mike Faist, Josh O'Connor and Faith Fay.
The Exorcist: Believer
Release date: 13th October 2023
Marking 50-years since the release of the original film The Exorcist, a new chapter begins in the form of The Exorcist: Believer. The film will see Ellen Burstyn reprises her iconic role as Chris MacNeil, for the first time since 1973. Not only that, but the reboot is part of a trilogy, with the follow-up film The Exorcist: Deceiver having a release date of 18th April 2025.
Dune: Part Two
Release date: 17th November
The follow-up to 2021's smash-hit Dune, Dune: Part Two will see the return of stars such as Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, as they continue their mythic journey. After fans were left slightly disappointed with the lack of Zendaya's presence in the first film, we have been assured she will feature more heavily in the upcoming sequel, with Timothée stating her scenes are "incredible" and in "greater abundance".
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
Release date: 17th November
Following the release of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part 1, and Mockingjay Part 2, the upcoming Hunger Games film will be released in mid-November 2023. The fifth instalment in The Hunger Games film series, the upcoming movie is a dystopian film based on the prequel of the same name.
WONKA
Release date: 15th December
The highly-anticipated WONKA film will finally be with us in December 2023. The film, starring Timothée Chalamet as the master chocolatier, will detail the years before Wonka opened his world-renowned chocolate factory, exploring his journey to becoming an illustrious candymaker.
Ghostbusters (untitled sequel)
Release date: 20th December
A sequel is coming to the epic 2020 film Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which was a follow-on from the iconic original film. The potential for the sequel was teased in the end credits of Afterlife, when it was revealed the next instalment will be set in the iconic firehouse in New York City. Nostalgic!
Peter Pan and Wendy
Release date: 2023
Disney excited us all when they revealed some brand new titles coming in 2023, including a new Peter Pan film! The upcoming movie will land on Disney+, and will see Jude Law take on the infamous role of Captain Hook.
Legally Blonde 3
Release date: 2023
Fans couldn't contain their excitement when Legally Blonde was set to return for a third film in 2022, however sadly the release was pushed back. Although Mindy Kaling has confirmed it is still happening, with Reese Witherspoon on board, it was revealed the 2022 release date has been pushed back indefinitely, in order to 'rework the script and ensure the movie is of high quality'.
Mindy told TIME: "The hardest thing about this project is trying to figure that out in an authentic way. We don't want to be responsible for ruining what's basically Reese's Avengers franchise."
With time for the casting, filming and post-production in mind, which can take between one-two years, it is thought the film will land in late 2023 - but potentially 2024.
A Quiet Place: Day One (spin-off film)
Release date: 8th March 2024
A spin-off to John Krasinski's A Quiet Place is coming in 2024. Titled A Quiet Place: Day One. The film will be a prequel to the original idea from John, with casting yet to be announced.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Release date: May 2024
The fourth instalment in the Planet of the Apes reboot franchise, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is set to hit cinemas in May 2024. The film stars Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon and William H Macy.
Inside Out 2
Release date: Summer 2024
The sequel to 2015's Inside Out, we're set to re-visit the colourful gang as Amy Poehler returns as Joy. The film is set for release in summer 2024, and will explore Riley's emotions as a teenager!
Mufasa: The Lion King
Release date: 2024
Fans were incredibly excited when Disney announced another live-action film coming our way. In the upcoming prequel film, set for release in 2024, we will get to see Mufasa's journey to becoming the King.
Snow White live-action remake
Release date: 2024
Starring Rachel Zegler in the titular role, and Gal Gadot as The Evil Queen, Disney will bring us a brand new Snow White live-action remake in 2024. Getting the Disney remake treatment, the film will include new music from composing duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul - the masterminds behind hit songs from epic movies such as La La Land, The Greatest Showman, and Dear Evan Hansen.
Read more:
Scala Radio Love Letter: John Williams' most iconic of scores for Harry Potter
Mark Kermode's Top 5 film scores of 2022
Who will play the next James Bond? All of the rumoured celebs