# The 1987 movie that made Steven Spielberg fall out with his directing hero: “It would be a big mistake”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-1987-movie-that-made-steven-spielberg-fall-out-with-his-directing-hero-it-would-be-a-big-mistake/
- Published: 2026-07-20T19:38:50+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-20T20:05:29+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/1987-movie-that-made-steven-spielberg-fall-out-with-his-hero/
- Topics: Entertainment, Film

## Key points

- Spielberg took over directing Empire of the Sun (1987) when Lean withdrew, then agreed to produce Lean's next project, Nostromo
- Spielberg's creative notes during Nostromo's development clashed with Lean's protective independence, damaging their relationship

## Summary

Steven Spielberg long admired David Lean, frequently praising Lawrence of Arabia as a masterpiece. When Lean originally planned to direct Empire of the Sun in 1987, Spielberg was set to produce. After Lean withdrew, Spielberg assumed the directing role and reciprocated by committing to produce Lean's next project, an adaptation of Joseph Conrad's Nostromo, viewing it as a chance to support his filmmaking hero.

Conflict emerged once production began. Spielberg, following standard Hollywood producer practice, offered creative notes on story and direction. Lean—a seasoned auteur who had spent decades fiercely protecting his artistic vision—interpreted these suggestions as unwelcome interference from a younger filmmaker. What Spielberg intended as collaborative input quickly became a source of friction, ultimately damaging the professional relationship between the admirer and his once-revered mentor.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.