Spielberg Developing 'Kick Ass' Western, Excited by Obama's Alien Comments

The legendary director teases details about his upcoming western film and his reaction to the former president's remarks about extraterrestrial life.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:43pm

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In a keynote conversation at SXSW, Steven Spielberg revealed he is developing a new western film, describing it as 'kick ass' and saying it will feature 'horses' and 'guns' but 'no tropes' or 'stereotypes.' Spielberg also discussed his upcoming UFO film 'Disclosure Day' and expressed excitement over former President Obama's recent comments about the existence of aliens, saying it was 'so great' for his project.

Why it matters

Spielberg's announcement of a new western film is significant, as the genre has 'eluded him for decades.' His comments about avoiding tropes and stereotypes suggest he aims to bring a fresh perspective to the classic American western. Additionally, Spielberg's enthusiasm over Obama's alien remarks highlights the growing public interest and acceptance around the possibility of extraterrestrial life, which could shape the narrative and themes of 'Disclosure Day.'

The details

During the SXSW conversation, Spielberg told moderator Sean Fennessey that he has 'something in development' for a western film, though he didn't provide many specifics. He did tease that the film will feature 'horses' and 'guns' but promised 'no tropes' or 'stereotypes.' Spielberg also expressed hope to shoot the film in Texas, though he acknowledged that may have been a wink to the Austin-based SXSW audience. When Fennessey brought up Obama's recent comments about aliens, Spielberg said he was thrilled, believing it would be 'so great for 'Disclosure Day,'' his upcoming UFO-themed film.

  • Spielberg revealed his western film plans during a keynote conversation at SXSW on March 13, 2026.
  • In a recent podcast, former President Barack Obama confidently stated that aliens are real, which Spielberg commented on just two days later.

The players

Steven Spielberg

An acclaimed American filmmaker known for directing blockbuster movies such as 'Jaws,' 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,' and 'Jurassic Park.'

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, who recently made comments about the existence of aliens that Spielberg reacted to positively.

Sean Fennessey

The moderator who interviewed Spielberg during the SXSW keynote conversation.

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What they’re saying

“I can't reveal anything right now, but I have something in development. And it kicks ass.”

— Steven Spielberg, Filmmaker

“When President Obama made that comment, I thought, 'Oh my god, this is so great for 'Disclosure Day.' This is amazing.”

— Steven Spielberg, Filmmaker

What’s next

Spielberg did not provide a specific timeline for when his new western film will go into production or be released. However, the director's excitement over Obama's recent alien comments suggests he may aim to have 'Disclosure Day' ready for release in the near future to capitalize on the increased public interest in extraterrestrial life.

The takeaway

Steven Spielberg's announcement of a new 'kick ass' western film and his enthusiasm over former President Obama's comments about aliens highlight the director's continued ambition to push the boundaries of filmmaking. By avoiding tropes and stereotypes in the western genre and exploring themes of extraterrestrial life, Spielberg appears poised to deliver unique and thought-provoking cinematic experiences for audiences.