Steven Spielberg Confirms First Western Movie at SXSW

“It Kicks Ass”: Steven Spielberg Confirms First-Ever Western Movie at SXSW

The legendary director is finally tackling the frontier after 55 years in Hollywood, promising a fresh take on the genre and a potential Texas shoot.

Sofia Chen

Mar 14, 2026, 3:06 AM PT · 1 min read

Steven Spielberg confirmed he is developing his first Western film during a keynote at SXSW.

THE RUNDOWN

Steven Spielberg confirmed his first-ever Western project during a keynote at SXSW.
The director described the film as something that "kicks ass" with fresh themes.
This marks Spielberg's first Western directorial effort in his 55-year career.
Production is currently eyeing Texas as a potential primary shooting location.
Spielberg is also readying Disclosure Day for a May 2026 theatrical release.

Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg is finally heading to the Wild West. During a high-profile keynote conversation at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas, the Oscar-winning director confirmed he is officially developing his first traditional Western. Despite a career spanning over 55 years and iconic hits like Jaws and Jurassic Park, this untitled project marks his first feature-length directorial foray into the cowboy genre.

Spielberg didn't hold back when describing the energy of the upcoming film. He told the festival audience that the movie "kicks ass" and will feature the classic staples of horses and guns. However, the director emphasized that he is aiming for a fresh perspective, consciously avoiding the tired tropes and historical stereotypes that have historically defined the Western genre.

Steven Spielberg Joe Sanchez — Photo: Marine 69-71 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

While a specific production timeline has not been announced, Spielberg is balancing a packed schedule; he is also currently working on an untitled sci-fi event film. That film, which stars Emily Blunt, is already slated for a May 15, 2026, release by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment.