Steven Spielberg Says “I Have No Plans Ever to Retire” at Universal Theater Dedication

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Just steps away from where replicas of the relentless snapping Jaws and the consistently crowded Jurassic Park ride at Universal’s L.A. theme park can be found, renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg took center stage on Thursday night as a state-of-the-art theater on an adjoining studio lot was dedicated in his name.

Donna Langley, chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, praised Steven Spielberg not only for shaping the foundation of our company over half a century, but also for his far-reaching influence on cinema and Hollywood as a whole. She emphasized that this company is not just a testament to his extraordinary legacy, but it’s a beacon of aspirations and visions for filmmakers and storytellers who will guide us into the next 100 years, and beyond.

A diverse group of influential executives, celebrities, past associates, and artists gathered to honor Spielberg’s accomplishments. This gathering included heads from Langley, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts and president Mike Cavanagh, along with actors spanning from John Travolta, Vin Diesel, Seth Rogen, Colman Domingo, Dakota Fanning, Jeff Goldblum, and the cast members of ‘Goonies’, Ke Huy Quan and Jeff Cohen. Notable writer-directors such as Jon M. Chu, the Daniels, and Kevin Williamson were also present.

Over several decades, Spielberg has seen numerous ups and downs at the studio, but he referred to its current phase as a renaissance, not to be confused with the release of “Jurassic World: Rebirth” in July. With a touch of humor, he added this reference to the movie he produced. He also likened the period of multiple corporate ownership changes as a time of many different leaders. However, now, he feels like he’s returned to a nurturing family environment.

He expressed that what he was referring to was the resurgence of the idea that people can work together like a family, a community, or a team to create positive outcomes,” he stated. Concluding his remarks, he added, “I’m continually making movies and I have no intention, ever, of retiring.

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel a thrill at the thought of Steven Spielberg’s upcoming Western. In an exclusive chat with The Hollywood Reporter, he confided that this genre has been a long-standing dream of his, one that he hopes to fulfill someday. It seems this tantalizing project has evaded him for decades, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it won’t elude us gamers any longer!

Starting with his trailblazing 1971 premiere titled “Duel“, Steven Spielberg has since directed over 30 full-length movies and produced numerous others, often for Universal – the pioneering studio that believed in a young filmmaker who was barely out of his twenties.

The dedication ceremony held last Thursday took place only a few days after the 50th anniversary of the release of “Jaws”, marking the beginning of the summer blockbuster era. Following this, Steven Spielberg released several other films at Universal Pictures: “1941” in 1979, “E.T. the Extraterrestrial” in 1982, “Always” in 1989, and “Jurassic Park” in 1993. Although he began producing movies for other studios, such as the “Indiana Jones” series at Paramount, his company Amblin has consistently remained based on the Universal lot.

Steven Spielberg’s blockbusters such as Jaws, E.T., and Jurassic Park were each the highest-earning films in their respective times, while Schindler’s List, released by Universal in 1994, earned him his first Academy Award for Best Picture.

Since Spielberg has been engrossed in filming his secret project, he’s been unable to dedicate time to the Jaws anniversary celebration. Instead, he plans to make himself available around early fall when an exhibit will be set up at the Academy Museum.

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Due to Spielberg being occupied with his top-secret film shoot, he hasn’t been able to attend to the Jaws anniversary event. Instead, he intends to be accessible in early fall when an exhibit will open at the Academy Museum.

Rather than saving the biggest revelation for last during Thursday’s presentation, there was an unexpected twist: he unveiled clips from his upcoming genre film, which is Spielberg’s first foray into the adventure genre since 2018’s “Ready Player One.” Not much has been disclosed about this project except that it features alien and sci-fi aspects and is inspired by a story penned by Spielberg himself. The cast includes Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, and others, who were captured in the footage attempting to evade what seemed like government agents pursuing them in a black SUV.

Following the theatre’s grand opening on Thursday, attendees were given a unique opportunity to view an exclusive display showcasing props, costumes, and behind-the-scenes photos that had never been exhibited before. This included clapper boards from Schindler’s List and The Fabelmans, the iconic bicycles from E.T., and even the animatronic arm of the alien. There was also a vast selection of merchandise spanning many decades on display.

Visitors including Rogen, Chu, and the Daniels admired the exhibit and conversed with the renowned figure in the heart of this radiant space. Chu displayed his E.T.-themed socks to Spielberg, who wore them for the event, and expressed gratitude for igniting his passion for cinema. In response, Spielberg shared that he remains astonished at the privilege of continuing to chase his dream of filmmaking at his current age.

The Steven Spielberg Theater, seating 250 people, is situated inside The Commons, an innovative structure spanning 84,000 square feet. This building’s design is inspired by cinema’s origins, mirroring a spinning film reel. It forms part of the Campus Project, a large-scale, environmentally friendly renovation that Spielberg played a significant role in, much like his involvement in designing Universal’s theme parks.

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2025-06-27 08:24