As previously announced, Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo, and Eve Hewson (“Bad Sisters,” “Flora and Son”) will complete the cast for the yet-to-be-titled film. Universal Pictures will release the movie on May 15, 2026.
Spielberg is directing from a script by David Koepp, whose previous collaborations with the filmmaker include Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The studio has described the project as a “new original event film,” though specific plot details haven’t been disclosed. The screenplay is based on a story by Spielberg and is expected to incorporate sci-fi elements. Kristie Macosko Krieger, who has worked with Spielberg on everything from A.I. Artificial Intelligence to West Side Story, will serve as a producer.
O’Connor is best known for The Crown, in which he portrayed Prince Charles during Seasons 3 and 4 of Netflix’s hit series, as well as Luca Guadagnino’s steamy tennis drama Challengers, where he was part of a love triangle with Zendaya and Mike Faist. He’s currently filming Kelly Reichardt’s film The Mastermind, alongside Alana Haim, and will appear in Rian Johnson’s star-studded Knives Out sequel, Wake Up Dead Man, set for release in 2025.
Spielberg is Hollywood’s most commercially successful filmmaker, having directed blockbusters like Jaws and E.T., in addition to the Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park franchises. He is also a three-time Academy Award winner for Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan. Spielberg recently worked with Universal on The Fabelmans, a semi-autobiographical film about a movie-obsessed teenager growing up in Arizona and Northern California.