Spielberg Reflects on Losing Interstellar to Nolan Due to Studio Deal

The legendary director opens up about how a business split led to Christopher Nolan taking over the sci-fi epic.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:24am

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An abstract close-up image of shattered glass and glittering film reels, captured in dramatic high-contrast lighting to convey the glamour and drama of Hollywood's creative process.The untold story of how a studio deal reshaped one of the century's most beloved sci-fi films.Pasadena Today

In a new interview, Steven Spielberg has finally revealed the behind-the-scenes story of how he was originally set to direct Interstellar, but lost the project when his production company DreamWorks moved from Paramount to Disney in 2009, leaving the film rights with Paramount. Spielberg had already hired Jonathan Nolan to write the first drafts, but once he stepped aside, Christopher Nolan quickly took over the director's chair, ultimately delivering a critically acclaimed sci-fi masterpiece.

Why it matters

This story provides a fascinating look at how the business side of Hollywood can dramatically shape the creative process, even for legendary filmmakers like Spielberg. It also highlights how a director's departure can sometimes lead to an even better final product, as was the case with Nolan's version of Interstellar compared to Spielberg's initial vision.

The details

Spielberg was first drawn to the Interstellar project in 2006 through a collaboration with physicist Kip Thorne and producer Lynda Obst, who wanted to make a scientifically grounded sci-fi film. Spielberg hired Jonathan Nolan to write the initial drafts, but when Spielberg's DreamWorks production company moved from Paramount to Disney in 2009, the film rights remained with Paramount, making Spielberg's continued involvement impossible. Jonathan Nolan warned Spielberg that his brother Christopher was circling the project, and sure enough, the moment Spielberg stepped aside, Christopher Nolan took over. Nolan's version of Interstellar ultimately featured key creative differences, including making the lead character's child a daughter instead of a son, and removing a romantic subplot between the main characters.

  • In 2006, Spielberg first became involved with the Interstellar project.
  • In 2009, Spielberg's DreamWorks production company moved from Paramount to Disney, leaving the Interstellar film rights with Paramount.
  • After Spielberg stepped away, Christopher Nolan took over the director's chair the very next day.

The players

Steven Spielberg

A legendary American film director, producer, and screenwriter, known for classics like Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Jurassic Park.

Christopher Nolan

A acclaimed British filmmaker who directed the critically praised version of Interstellar, as well as other acclaimed films like The Dark Knight trilogy and Inception.

Jonathan Nolan

Christopher Nolan's brother, who was hired by Spielberg to write the initial drafts of Interstellar before Spielberg stepped away from the project.

Kip Thorne

A Nobel Prize-winning physicist who collaborated with Spielberg and producer Lynda Obst on the original vision for Interstellar.

Lynda Obst

A veteran film producer who worked with Spielberg and physicist Kip Thorne on the original concept for Interstellar.

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What they’re saying

“The second I decided not to make it, Chris jumped on board, probably the next day.”

— Steven Spielberg

What’s next

Spielberg is now channeling his passion for space exploration into his upcoming sci-fi thriller 'Disclosure Day', set to hit theaters on June 12.

The takeaway

This story highlights how the business side of Hollywood can dramatically impact the creative process, even for legendary filmmakers like Spielberg. However, it also shows how a director's departure can sometimes lead to an even better final product, as was the case with Nolan's acclaimed version of Interstellar.