Why Steven Spielberg Always Wanted To Tell The Wright Brothers Story
Steven Spielberg’s Cold War thrillerBridge of Spiesis out in a few weeks, but while promoting it he revealed there’s another historical story he’s been itching to tell. The director confessed he’s “always wanted” to do a project aboutOrvilleandWilbur Wright, credited with inventing the first airplane at the turn of the 20th century. Find out why after the jump.
During aTwitter Q&A, Spielberg andBridge of SpiesstarTom Hankswere asked what historical figure or premise they’d want to tackle next. Spielberg’s answer begins below around 0:50. (Hanks' answer, for the record, is that he wants to make a movie about the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous.)
.@ethandlevy asks: What historical figure/premise would you like to take on next?#BridgeOfSpieshttp://t.co/iaN6trne6v
— Bridge Of Spies (@BridgeofSpies)July 14, 2025
Or if you’d prefer, here’s the Steven Spielberg Wright brothers quote transcribed:
I’ve always wanted to go back to history and tell a story about the Wright brothers. I’ve been endlessly compelled since childhood about how we got off the ground for the first time. And I’d love to get into their noodles to figure out how they figured it out.
In fact, Spielberg already has plans for a Wright Brothers project. Back in April,HBO announcedit had picked up the rights toDavid McCollough’s nonfiction tomeThe Wright Brothers, with the intention of turning it into a miniseries produced by Spielberg and Hanks' Playtone Productions.
However, his wording here makes us wonder if he’s also got designs on directing a Wright brothers movie. World War II dramasEmpire of the SunandSaving Private Ryandidn’t preclude Spielberg from makingBand of BrothersandThe Pacificfor HBO, so maybe there’s room for him to produce a Wright brothers miniseries and direct a Wright brothers film, too.
Even if that’s the case, though, it’ll be a while before any such movie gets going. Spielberg is simultaneously promotingBridge of Spies, finishing upThe BFG, and preparingReady Player One. And Spielberg being Spielberg, he’s got no shortage of other potential directing projects after that.
