Great to see the call to arms for original stories by the master of box office behemoths.
Spielberg stressed that studios like Universal need to keep investing in original films like “Disclosure Day” instead of reboots, sequels and spinoffs.
“If all we make is known, branded IP, we’re going to run out of gas,” Spielberg said. “There is nothing more important than giving the audience visual stories, and they can be in any form, but we need to tell more original stories.”
https://variety.com/2026/film/news/steven-spielberg-hollywood-original-movies-disclosure-day-cinemacon-1236722625/
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Agreed. Doing this would force the gatekeepers to be open to new ideas & fresh voices. I’m pretty sure that would disrupt the entire establishment. So much of Hollywood still runs on nepotism. I’d love to see the day when the people who are outside looking in, get an opportunity to help entertainment industry as a whole begin to thrive once again. Call it wishful thinking.
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A few great original movies I've seen lately that everyone should watch: The Christophers, The Drama, Nirvana The Band The Show The Movie, Good Luck Have Fun Don't Die, How to Make a Killing, Crime 101
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Jack Binder, I love seeing this too, and honestly, it feels like such an important reminder at the right moment.
Spielberg saying this carries real weight, because he’s someone who has succeeded within the studio system at the highest level, and still recognizes that long-term sustainability depends on fresh ideas. Branded IP can drive short-term success, but it’s original storytelling that creates new worlds, new franchises, and keeps audiences engaged over time.
It also reinforces something we talk about a lot, originality doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel, it means bringing a clear voice, perspective, and intention to what you’re creating. That’s what makes something feel new and worth investing in.
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Ashley Renée Smith Very well said. We are already seeing the dilution of interest in the constant sequels, prequels, remakes. Audiences are turning to original stories which is great news. Hopefully this momentum will continue as the previous studio logic was that each time we try original IP, the audiences whom say they are yearning it in lieu of the blockbuster cgi branded IP, failed to turn up. It does appear this tanker ship is turning!
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Hi! Meanwhile, Disney earns the most money by making films based on old fairy tales.
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Pat Alexander Thanks for sharing. The more we watch original films the more they will make.
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Arthur Charpentier Good point, however they do it for a reason: audiences return. Again and again. I've had numerous conversations with studio executives decrying the call for "Original IP", and when they make it, no one turns out to watch it. We are creatures of habit and addicted to the known. Taking risks on new film or shows is an uphill climb. One very much worth executing however as the payoff can be enormous creatively and financially.
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Well…finally…a Hollywood heavy weight who believes that original storytelling lies at the heart of all great films and will bring audiences back into the theatres…a direct shot across the bow of certain studios who keep churning out lame sequels…prequels…animated versions of live action movies…live action movies of animated classics…remakes that pale against the original…films based on broadway plays…all to cash out in on a marketing scheme that requires no risk & no guts on a new idea
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Hi I think American cinema doesn't invest in new stories because producing sequels is an economic certainty at that moment; no one cares about what happens next.
Posts like this make me want to stand up, wave my hands, and say "me! hello!" Wouldn't help. Someone taking a risk on a well-known series or a famous story is one thing. Backing something new is entirely different. From the informal research I've done, audiences are tired of more versions series they already know. Something new would be welcome. On the other side, the market problem is what Jack Binder said. It's easier to sell tickets to something people already know than it is to get people to watch something new. Even with comps and comparisons, there's always a question of whether or not 'that new universe' will sell.
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I'm all for supporting original stories and steering clear of "reboots, sequels and spinoffs. The same for "branded IP." I just hope he doesn't include the adaptation of literature in his calling. There are so many wonderful stories written throughout the ages that new generations have no clue about. That IP is a treasure trove.
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Terri Morgan I too am speaking out against this market logic. In Italy, movie theaters are saved every year by American films, and especially by American sequels. The only way out This market logic is public funding for first works and not giving money to those who already have it in the bank.
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Terri Morgan You've elucidated the dilemma well. Bottom line, keep creating new and original stories. They still sell, audiences still want them. Yes, a market demand relies upon the familiar. But people know what the want when they see it. Unique stories are critical for creativity and industry alike.
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