Steven Spielberg revealed a shelved Gershwin movie while promoting his new film.
He made the comments on June 8, 2026 at the Disclosure Day premiere in New York’s David H. Koch Theater.
The abandoned Gershwin project
Spielberg said he had been developing a film that would explore the lives of Ira and George Gershwin and the creation of the Broadway classic Porgy and Bess. He described the project as a script‑driven venture that moved into casting before being set aside. The director noted that the idea was born long before the alien thriller that he is now promoting.
“I was going to make a movie about Ira and George Gershwin, and I was going to make a movie about the process of writing and staging Porgy and Bess,”
— Steven Spielberg, Director
He added that he had been excited about the script and was actively looking for actors to fill key roles, including the part of Todd Duncan, the original Porgy performer. The conversation about casting led him to meet actor Colman Domingo for the first time.
Casting ambitions and podcast reveal
During a recent episode of Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, Spielberg recounted how he first met Colman Domingo and intended to cast him as Todd Duncan. He explained that the meeting sparked the idea of pairing Domingo with the historic role, even though the project never moved forward. The director’s remarks highlighted his willingness to explore classic material alongside contemporary talent.
Spielberg and Domingo later collaborated on the alien thriller Disclosure Day, which premiered at the same New York venue. Their joint effort on the sci‑fi picture shows how the two artists have crossed paths, from a shelved musical drama to a high‑concept space story.
While the Gershwin film remains unfinished, Spielberg’s candid comments illustrate his selective approach to storytelling. Fans can still enjoy the excitement of Disclosure Day, and the anecdote adds a nostalgic note for anyone planning a weekend cinema outing.
Frequently asked questions
Did Steven Spielberg ever plan a film about the Gershwin brothers?
Yes, Spielberg was developing a script-driven project about Ira and George Gershwin and the creation of Porgy and Bess, but the film was shelved before production.
Who was Steven Spielberg considering to play Todd Duncan in his Gershwin film?
He was actively looking for actors for key roles, including Todd Duncan, and met actor Colman Domingo for the first time as a potential cast member.
When did Steven Spielberg reveal the scrapped Gershwin film?
He disclosed the abandoned project at the June 8, 2026 premiere of Disclosure Day in New York's David H. Koch Theater.
What was the focus of Steven Spielberg's abandoned Gershwin project?
The project aimed to explore the lives of Ira and George Gershwin and the process of writing and staging the Broadway classic Porgy and Bess.
Did Steven Spielberg and Colman Domingo collaborate on a film after the Gershwin project?
Yes, they later worked together on the alien thriller Disclosure Day, which premiered at the same New York venue.
