Steven Spielberg has given some classic adventure movies to the world and even the James Bond franchise has entertained the audiences with some popular adventure movies of all time. It feels that Spielberg is a natural choice of director for a James Bond film.
In fact, at multiple points, he wanted to direct a 007 movie. However, he wasn't allowed to do so. Recently, Spielberg talked about why the producer of 007, Albert R. Broccoli didn't allow him to helm the movie.
Spielberg directed two major box office hits Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Jaws and having such big hits could get director clout in the business. However, none of his movies was enough to convince Broccoli that the 73-year-old director could direct a 007 movie.
In an interview with The Independent, Spielberg revealed that he called Broccoli twice after his Jaws became a big hit at the box office and tried to offer his services but Broccoli refused as he didn't think Spielberg was right to direct the film.
However, Spielberg called Broccoli for the second time after his Close Encounters of the Third Kind became a huge success but got refused again as they couldn't afford him. Spielberg further explained that Broccoli turned down for the first time because of his lack of experience and it’s true that he didn't direct a lot of movies at that time.
However, it is surprising that Broccoli was not impressed by a movie like Jaws. At that time, the James Bond franchise has never been popular for getting superstar directors on the board like Spielberg while Sam Mendes who has won Academy Award twice directed two Bond movies years after Spielberg tried to helm a Bond film.
Moonraker has been one divisive 007 movies ever as it featured Bond going into space. Some people found this storyline as fun but others criticized heavily and found horrible. Regardless, the movie is often seen as a response to the Star Wars' success.
It was odd that Moonrankers included a reference from the Close Encounters of the Third Kind which was directed by Spielberg. In fact, in one of the interview, Spielberg told that he allowed Broccoli to use a track from his movie but that didn't help Broccoli to change his decision, “I said sure and by the way, do you have a slot for me for Bond and he said no!”