A Call from the Stars: John Williams Invites Spielberg Back to the UFO Frontier

Imagine this: two titans of cinema, individuals whose names are practically synonymous with the magic of movies, sitting together, reflecting on a half-century of shared artistry. And then, one of them, the maestro himself, John Williams, leans in and makes a rather extraordinary proposition. "I don't want to die without us doing one more UFO story," he reportedly told Steven Spielberg. A simple, profound wish, really, from a man who, at 92, still conjures sonic universes for us all.

You could almost feel the cinematic universe collectively hold its breath. Spielberg, a spry 77 himself, apparently reacted with wide-eyed surprise, a genuine, "Really?" Williams recounts this moment from a recent conversation with Variety's Artisans, and honestly, it’s the kind of spontaneous, human exchange that sparks legends. And get this: Spielberg, ever the visionary, promised to consider it. The sheer possibility of it all, isn't it exhilarating?

Now, this isn't about some direct, by-the-numbers sequel to their seminal 1977 masterpiece, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. No, Williams framed it more as a "spiritual sequel," a fresh take, perhaps, on humanity's yearning to connect with something beyond our terrestrial confines. And why not? That original film, with its unforgettable five-note melody and dazzling, awe-inspiring sense of wonder, imprinted itself on generations. To revisit that thematic landscape, but with decades of new insights and technological advancements—well, it's a tantalizing thought, isn't it?

For over 50 years, these two—Williams and Spielberg—have forged one of the most remarkable creative partnerships in cinematic history, collaborating on a staggering 30 films. Think about it: from the terror of Jaws to the enchantment of E.T., the harrowing realism of Schindler's List to the sheer adventure of Indiana Jones, Williams' scores have not merely accompanied Spielberg's visuals; they've become integral parts of the storytelling, the very emotional heartbeat of these unforgettable tales. Their synergy, a kind of shared language unspoken, is frankly unparalleled.

Both men, it must be said, remain incredibly active. Spielberg is gearing up to direct his new film, Light, later this fall, a project that's already generating considerable buzz. Williams, not to be outdone, is currently composing the score for Alexander Payne's upcoming L.A. Noir, a testament to his enduring brilliance and tireless work ethic. Yet, amidst their packed schedules and ongoing projects, this notion of another UFO story, a return to that peculiar blend of fear and fascination, of scientific inquiry and pure, childlike wonder, lingers.

It makes you wonder, doesn't it? What would a new "UFO story" from this legendary duo even look like in our current, more cynical world? Would it be a quiet, reflective piece, or another grand spectacle? Whatever shape it might take, if it indeed takes shape at all, the prospect of John Williams and Steven Spielberg once again exploring the mysteries of the cosmos together, well, it's enough to make any film lover, or anyone with a healthy dose of curiosity about what lies beyond, look up at the night sky with a renewed sense of anticipation.