Spielberg’s All-Time Sci-Fi Favorite: Dune
In a recent interview with Empire magazine, the legendary director of Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, and Jaws revealed his current favorites in science fiction. Spielberg singled out Denis Villeneuve’s Dune trilogy, telling Empire:
“They’re among my favorite science fiction films—not just recently, but of all time.”
He was referring specifically to the first two installments of Villeneuve’s Dune series. Coming from Spielberg, that’s no small endorsement.
“I think the second part of Dune is the best film Denis has ever made. I couldn’t wait to see the third. I’m sure he’ll show it to me as a sneak preview. I’m a big fan.” – Steven Spielberg to Empire
What Makes Dune Stand Out to Spielberg?
For those who need a refresher: Dune follows Paul Atreides, a gifted young man with a weighty destiny, as he travels to the universe’s most dangerous planet to secure the future of his family and people. Timothée Chalamet stars as Paul, joined by Rebecca Ferguson (Lady Jessica), Zendaya (Chani), and Oscar Isaac (Leto Atreides). The third chapter of this saga was scheduled to debut in French theaters on December 16, 2025.
Spielberg also compared Villeneuve’s respect for Frank Herbert, the author of the Dune novels, to Guillermo del Toro’s reverence for Mary Shelley with Frankenstein:
“Denis honored Frank Herbert (author of the Dune books) the way Guillermo Del Toro honored Mary Shelley with Frankenstein.”
Spielberg’s passion for genre cinema isn’t limited to science fiction. He also expressed his admiration for Zach Cregger’s recent horror film, Weapons, calling it “so frightening” that it erased any desire he might have had to make a horror film himself. Spielberg suggested he might be just as enthusiastic about Cregger’s upcoming Resident Evil project, a reboot of the well-known video game franchise. Audiences in France were slated to see it premiere on September 16, 2025.
Spielberg’s Next Film: Disclosure Day
Spielberg spoke to Empire as part of the press tour for his upcoming film, Disclosure Day. The movie is described as either a conspiracy thriller or dystopian science fiction, and marks Spielberg’s return to directing after a four-year break. Emily Blunt headlines the film, which is set for theatrical release on June 10, 2026.
Whether you’re a devoted cinephile or just looking forward to some ambitious new films, these are release dates worth keeping on your radar.
Not Everyone’s a Fan—A Reader’s Critique
Of course, not all reactions have been positive. One skeptical commenter wrote:
“Laughing out loud here. Denis Villeneuve’s soporific sci-fi… So bland and soulless. And Spielberg’s radio silence on Cameron’s Avatar trilogy says a lot about his jealousy toward his real rival… 😉😉😉”
