For over 40 years, Steven Spielberg has been asking audiences the same question: what if we are not alone?
From the friendly alien in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial to the mysterious visitors in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, some of his most famous films explore humanity's fascination with life beyond Earth.
Now the Oscar-winning director returns to the subject once again with the sci-fi thriller Disclosure Day, starring Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colman Domingo, Colin Firth and Eve Hewson.
The film presents a world on the brink of revelation: evidence of the existence of non-human intelligence that has remained undetected until now.
The story centers on Blunt's character, meteorologist Margaret Fairchild, and O'Connor's Daniel Kellner, a cybersecurity expert who uncovers evidence of a long-standing cover-up and finds himself targeted by governments and powerful corporations seeking to hide the truth.
Speaking at the UK premiere in Leicester Square, Spielberg told the BBC that he remains fascinated by the question that inspired some of his most iconic works, and that his view on the possibility of extraterrestrial life has evolved over the decades.
«"My outlook has become more realistic," he said. "Much remains a mystery and unsolved, but I've become more optimistic that people will be able to discover what we haven't been allowed to discover yet.".
Starring: Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colman Domingo and Colin Firth [Getty Images]
The film comes at a time when discussions about unidentified aerial phenomena, government transparency, and artificial intelligence have moved from the fringes of pop culture to mainstream debate.
While Disclosure Day is dedicated to the possibility of extraterrestrial life, many of its themes touch on issues of trust, secrecy, and how societies respond when established beliefs are challenged.
The most important thing, according to the 79-year-old director, is that the film is ultimately about humanity.
«"It's about empathy and bringing people together," and an event like the discovery of aliens "will bring people together," he said.
This hopeful message was echoed by the actors, many of whom noted that the film felt particularly relevant in a time of growing political and social division.
«There's something there.»
Josh O'Connor, who plays cybersecurity expert Daniel Kellner, said he immediately liked the script.
«When they sent me the script, I read it in one sitting and it was captivating, I felt it was so necessary because it’s a film about hope, humanity and understanding.».
He suggested that the discovery of intelligent life beyond Earth might force humans to overcome their differences.
«"When we don't understand each other, maybe something from outside can unite us.".
«"I wonder if the idea of hatred is a human invention, because none of the documented cases of close contact have been unpleasant or violent.".
The 36-year-old actor also admitted that he believes there is likely something else out there beyond Earth, although he is in no rush for humanity to solve the mystery.
«"I definitely think there's something out there, but I don't know if we'll discover it in our lifetime, and I'm not worried about that," he said. "The sense of mystery used to be so strong, and now we've lost it.".
Both Blunt and O'Connor say they believe in life beyond Earth [Getty Images].
Emily Blunt, who plays weather presenter Margaret Fairchild, told me she hopes any confirmation of alien life will be met with surprise rather than fear.
«"If we knew aliens existed, I hope people would be amazed, moved and delighted by it," she told the BBC.
The Devil Wears Prada actor added that "it's mathematically insane to suggest that we are the only civilization," and one of the film's key messages "is to not be afraid of what we don't know.".
The film's release also coincides with an ongoing debate in Hollywood about the growing role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. Earlier this week, Martin Scorsese drew criticism after endorsing an AI-powered tool, calling it "creatively liberating.".
Blunt recently revealed that some of the unusual vocal parts required for her character were created by herself rather than generated by AI, as "I had to ensure I was delivering the most complete and convincing performance possible.".
Spielberg agreed, and both said they see how advances in AI can benefit us and be a useful tool in production, but should not replace creative talent.
«"It all depends on what kind of AI is used," Spielberg explained. "Finding locations or organizing schedules is great, but replacing a screenwriter, an actor, or a director—I don't believe in that.".
Meanwhile, Colman Domingo said one of the reasons he was excited to join the project was the opportunity to help bring Spielberg's vision to life.
Like many of his co-stars, the Euphoria actor said he believes in life beyond Earth.
«"We all go outside to look at the stars, and I can imagine that someone is up there in the sky looking back at me," he said.
While acknowledging that evidence of alien life could profoundly change society, he argued that the impact could ultimately be positive.
«"It would be incredible if we all knew and understood this as the truth. It might upend some of the foundations of society, but that's not such a bad thing, given how polarized the world is right now.".
Colin Firth described the film as a "rollercoaster ride" exploring empathy, fear, and humanity's response to the unknown, and said audiences will "be left with plenty to talk about.".
As for Spielberg, he remains optimistic that answers may come sooner rather than later.
When asked whether we would discover life beyond Earth in our lifetime, the director replied: «Yes.».
«"And I will accept any of them.".
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Martin Scorsese has come under fire after supporting the idea of "creative freedom" for artificial intelligence.