The Dish to be Released on May 15,2026
Steven Spielberg’s next major film, tentatively titled The Dish, has been officially dated for a May 15, 2026, release by Universal Pictures. The project is being described as a “new original event film” and marks Spielberg’s return to the summer blockbuster release window, a period he helped define with films like Jaws and Raiders of the Lost Ark. It also marks Spielberg’s return to the UFO genre with the likes of his Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and E.T. The Extraterrestrial.
According to World of Reel, production on The Dish is expected to begin in February 2025, with primary filming locations in New Jersey and Atlanta, Georgia. It is unknown which studio or casting companies will be involved with the film at this time. Georgia, which has become a significant hub for film and television production due to its tax incentives and diverse filming environments, will undoubtedly play a key role in the movie’s shoot. Spielberg’s choice of Georgia aligns with the state’s reputation as a premier destination for high-profile film projects.
While plot details are still under wraps, The Dish is reported to be UFO-themed, a genre that Spielberg has tackled successfully in the past with films like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and War of the Worlds. David Koepp, Spielberg’s longtime collaborator known for scripting films such as Jurassic Park, is penning the script for the new film, which is based on an original story by Spielberg.
The cast of the film includes Emily Blunt, who has been confirmed to star, alongside Colin Firth, who is reportedly in early talks to join the project. Josh O’Connor is also rumored to be part of the ensemble. Universal and Amblin Entertainment have not commented on the full scope of the cast or specific filming details.
With The Dish, Spielberg returns to the large-scale, summer release model that has defined some of his most successful films. Although the filming industry has been sluggish during much of 2024, Georgia’s involvement in the production further underscores the state’s continued importance in the film industry, particularly for major studio projects.
More information on the film’s plot and production timeline is expected to be released as filming begins in 2025.
