Steven Spielberg says he repeatedly tried to direct a James Bond movie but was declined by producers. Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast during his “Disclosure Day” press tour, the Oscar-winning director said he approached Albert “Cubby” Broccoli after the success of Spielberg’s 1975 film “Jaws.” He said he volunteered to direct a Bond installment, adding that Broccoli responded by turning him down and moving on. Spielberg also said the producers rejected him again later, describing the experience as being “consistently” turned down. He suggested that if the producers were to ask him now, the outcome would be the same because, as he put it, “they can’t afford me.” Multiple outlets report that Spielberg linked his interest in Bond to seeing “Dr No,” and that his comments focus on his earlier attempts to join the franchise during Broccoli’s tenure as producer. The account does not provide specific reasons for the rejections, but it frames the story as a repeated effort that never resulted in Spielberg being hired.