November 26, 2012 12:07

Steven Spielberg says his offer to direct James Bond film was turned down

Director asked to helm 007 flick in the 1970s, but made 'Indiana Jones' instead...

Steven Spielberg has spoken out about the time his offer to direct a James Bond film was turned down.

According to the Daily Mail, the celebrated filmmaker asked 007 producer Albert R Broccoli about the possibility of helming his own instalment in the spy franchise, but his request was unceremoniously turned down.

Spielberg said:

I went to Cubby Broccoli and I asked if I could do one and he said, 'No'. I've never asked again. Instead, I made the Indiana Jones series.

Spielberg – who also recently revealed that his plea to direct a Star Wars film had fallen on deaf ears – also discussed his forthcoming new biopic Lincoln. Speaking about the potential difficulties of telling the story of such a famous historical figure, he said: "It was very important for all of us making this film to avoid being cynical, to avoid cynicism.

"I think it was just as important for all of us making the film to avoid hero worship, because I think you can admire someone immensely, as I admire Lincoln, but without worshipping him."

Lincoln stars Daniel Day-Lewis as the 16th President of the United States and focuses on the last four months of his life, a period in which he battled the cabinet over his desired abolition of slavery. The film is based on Team Of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, a 2005 book by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.

The film, which is being mooted as a strong contender for next year's Oscars, is scheduled for release in the US on November 16 (2012), and the UK on January 25, 2013. Scroll down and click below to watch the first trailer.