John Williams and Steven Spielberg Reunite for Their 30th Film Collaboration in 2026

John Williams will compose music for Steven Spielberg's new 2026 film, marking their 30th project together, with a star-studded cast and rumored UFO-themed storyline.

    Key details

  • • John Williams is scoring a new Steven Spielberg film, their 30th collaboration.
  • • The film is planned for release in 2026 and is rumored to be a UFO-themed original adventure.
  • • Notable cast members include Josh O'Connor, Emily Blunt, Colman Domingo, and Colin Firth.
  • • Williams has 54 Oscar nominations and is one of the most acclaimed film composers in history.

Oscar-winning composer John Williams has confirmed he will score an upcoming Steven Spielberg film, marking their 30th collaboration over more than five decades. The project, slated for release in 2026, was revealed during a Juilliard School event by Damian Woetzel, who noted Williams is currently working with Spielberg in Los Angeles.

Though Universal Pictures has not disclosed the film's title or plot, rumors suggest it will be an original adventure focusing on UFOs, with an impressive cast featuring Josh O'Connor, Emily Blunt, Colman Domingo, and Colin Firth. At 93, Williams remains active despite having previously hinted at retirement, following 54 Oscar nominations (five wins) that make him the second most nominated individual in Oscar history after Walt Disney.

Williams' legacy includes iconic music such as the "Star Wars" theme, which reached number one on Billboard in 1977 and was inducted into the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry. He had hinted that "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" might be his final score but later expressed caution about retirement decisions.

This upcoming film collaboration underscores the enduring creative partnership between Williams and Spielberg, whose combined work has significantly shaped cinematic music and storytelling for generations.

Stay on top of the news that matters

Our free newsletters deliver the most important news stories straight to your inbox.