John Williams and Steven Spielberg reunite for 30th collaboration on upcoming 2026 Universal film

Legendary composer John Williams reunites with Steven Spielberg, scoring the director’s upcoming UFO-themed project

Legendary composer John Williams and filmmaker Steven Spielberg are teaming up once again for their 30th collaboration, marking a milestone in one of Hollywood’s most celebrated creative partnerships. The news was confirmed during John Williams – A Composer’s Life: A Night of Stories and Music, an event held on October 27 at the Juilliard School.

According to Variety, Juilliard president Damian Woetzel revealed that Williams, 93, is currently in Los Angeles “working with Steven Spielberg on the next movie,” calling the news “something to be happy about.” The announcement drew enthusiastic applause from attendees and was later shared by journalist Doug Adams on social media.

Williams, whose seven-decade career has redefined modern film scoring, is one of the most decorated composers in history with 54 Oscar nominations and five wins. His collaborations with Spielberg include some of cinema’s most iconic scores — Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, and the Indiana Jones series among them.

Spielberg’s upcoming film, set for release in June 2026 via Universal Pictures, remains untitled but is described by the studio as a “new original event film.” Early reports suggest that the story may explore UFO-related themes, with a high-profile cast including Josh O’Connor, Emily Blunt, Colman Domingo, Colin Firth, and Eve Hewson.

Despite previously suggesting that Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) might be his final score, Williams later clarified that he had no plans to retire. His enduring passion for composing has continued to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.

In a previous documentary, Music By John Williams, Spielberg praised the composer’s influence, saying, “After he does music for my movie, I start to see my movie in his way.” Similarly, Star Wars creator George Lucas once credited Williams’s music as essential to the saga’s identity, stating, “Star Wars basically would not be Star Wars without John Williams’ music.”