Spielberg Lauds Obama’s Alien Comments for Disclosure Day

The cultural zeitgeist is buzzing again with the possibility of alien life, and Steven Spielberg is thrilled. The legendary director recently expressed excitement over former President Barack Obama’s alien comments, stating it was “so great” for his upcoming UFO film, Disclosure Day. Spielberg also reiterated his long-held belief in extraterrestrial life, suggesting a strong suspicion that humanity is not alone on Earth right now.

Key Points

• Steven Spielberg is developing Disclosure Day, a film about alien cover-ups.
• Spielberg praised Barack Obama’s initial comments about the existence of aliens.
• He has maintained his belief in extraterrestrial life since childhood.
• The director was “reinvigorated” to explore UFOs after a 2017 New York Times article.

Why Spielberg is Embracing the Alien Conversation

For a filmmaker synonymous with cinematic wonder, Steven Spielberg’s recent remarks at SXSW reveal a blend of personal conviction and promotional savvy. The director, whose career spans over 60 years, is returning to the alien genre with Disclosure Day, a film centered on a cybersecurity administrator exposing a government cover-up of extraterrestrial activity. It’s a natural fit for the visionary behind classics like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Spielberg found an unexpected boon for his project when President Barack Obama publicly discussed his belief in aliens on Brian Tyler Cohen’s No Lie podcast. Obama initially stated, “They’re real, but I haven’t seen them,” clarifying they are “not being kept in Area 51.” Spielberg, speaking with panel host Sean Fennessey, reacted with palpable enthusiasm, stating, “When President Obama made that comment, I thought, ‘Oh my God, this is so great for Disclosure Day.'”

This wasn’t just about marketing; it tapped into a belief Spielberg has held since childhood. He explained that Obama “said what he believed in was life in the cosmos, which, of course, everybody should believe in, because no one should ever think that we are the only intelligent civilization in the entire universe.” This sentiment echoes the director’s enduring fascination, having noted he was “reinvigorated” to make his first UFO movie in nearly five decades after a 2017 New York Times article detailed the Pentagon’s UFO program. Spielberg went on to say, “I have a very strong sneaking suspicion that we are not alone here on Earth right now.”

Navigating the Shifting Narrative Around UFOs

Interestingly, Obama later walked back his initial comments in an Instagram post, explaining that while the universe is vast, the chances of alien visits are low, and he saw no evidence of contact during his presidency. But for Spielberg, the underlying belief in cosmic life, even without direct contact, remains a powerful narrative force. It’s this nuanced public discourse around unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) and potential government secrets that Disclosure Day aims to explore.

Despite his deep dive into alien lore on screen, Spielberg himself admitted to a touch of cosmic FOMO. He lamented that he has never had an extraterrestrial experience, unlike “half my friends” who claim to have seen UFOs. “I haven’t. I made a movie called Close Encounters of the Third Kind. I haven’t even had a close encounter of the first or second kind. Where’s the justice of that?” he quipped, showcasing his signature blend of humor and genuine curiosity.

Beyond the cosmic, Spielberg also teased other upcoming projects. During the same SXSW panel, he mentioned developing a “kick ass” Western film, a genre that has “eluded [him] for decades,” according to Variety. While details are scarce, he hopes to shoot the film in Texas, perhaps a playful nod to the Austin audience. Disclosure Day is scheduled to hit theaters on June 12.

The Bigger Picture

• Spielberg’s continued engagement with alien themes signals a mainstream acceptance of UFO discourse, moving it from fringe to front-page.
• The timing of Disclosure Day capitalizes on increased public and governmental interest in UAPs, offering a timely commentary on transparency and belief.
• A legendary director like Spielberg choosing to tackle a Western, a genre he’s historically avoided, suggests a late-career creative surge and a desire to explore new cinematic territories.
• His ability to leverage public figures’ comments, even when later clarified, underscores the power of cultural moments in shaping audience reception for major film releases.

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