Steven Soderbergh Reflects on New Film and Future of Cinema
In a recent video interview from New York City, celebrated director Steven Soderbergh opened up about his latest theatrical release, The Christophers, and his perspectives on the evolving landscape of filmmaking. The Oscar-winning filmmaker, known for hits like Traffic and Ocean's Eleven, shared insights into his creative process, unrealized projects, and the role of artificial intelligence in the industry.
From Thriller Pitch to Deep Meditation
Soderbergh initially pitched The Christophers to frequent collaborator Ed Solomon as a thriller centered on a scam in the art world, inspired by Patricia Highsmith's Talented Mr. Ripley series. However, the resulting screenplay took a different turn, evolving into a profound exploration of regret, failure, and artistic longevity. The film stars Sir Ian McKellen as Julian Sklar, a painter whose reputation has suffered due to a reality show stint, and Michaela Coel as an art restorer hired to complete his unfinished works.
"It was better than what I had imagined in my head, because it was just deeper than what my pitch might have suggested," Soderbergh remarked, highlighting the unexpected depth of the story. Instead of a tightly wound thriller, The Christophers became a meditation on time and what it means to leave a lasting artistic legacy.
A Prolific Career and Unmade Projects
At 63, Soderbergh continues to reinvent himself, with The Christophers marking his third theatrical release in just over a year, following 2025's Black Bag and the horror film Presence. He emphasized his desire for each project to feel entirely new, stating, "I always want the next thing to be different." Upcoming ventures include a Cannes-bound documentary on John Lennon and Yoko Ono and a film about the Spanish-American War.
However, not all projects come to fruition. Soderbergh spent two years developing a Star Wars film, The Hunt for Ben Solo, with Adam Driver, before Disney executives cancelled it due to storyline concerns. "My takeaway was that all creative time is well-spent," he said, expressing no regrets. Similarly, he pitched a bold two-movie concept for the James Bond franchise to producer Barbara Broccoli, but it was not greenlit. "If it was supposed to happen, it would have happened," he philosophized.
Embracing AI and Technological Evolution
As the film industry stands on the cusp of another evolution with artificial intelligence, Soderbergh offered a pragmatic view. "We don't know and there's only one way to find out," he stated, advocating for engagement rather than fear. "Having a blanket disdain or terror of this technology is not going to help us figure out what to do with it ... Creatively, I'm not threatened by it, but out in the actual world, that's a much scarier conversation."
Reflecting on his own career, which began with the groundbreaking Sex, Lies and Videotape in 1989, Soderbergh noted that risk-taking has been integral to his development. He recalled the pressure of directing Out of Sight, which he described as a make-or-break moment for his career, and the challenges of mastering a new visual style for Ocean's Eleven. Despite his success, he remains humble about his filmography, refusing to label any of his works as underrated.
Artistic Legacy and Moving Forward
The themes of The Christophers prompted Soderbergh to contemplate his own artistic legacy. "It certainly was on my mind," he admitted, discussing the difficulty of assessing one's work objectively. Unlike his character Julian, Soderbergh does not dwell on unfinished projects, adhering to a motto that things happen when they're meant to. "I'd rather work on something new," he asserted.
Looking ahead, Soderbergh remains adventurous, seeking projects that challenge him on different scales. While he has no plans to return for Ocean's 14 ("I've done my time"), he continues to explore diverse genres and technologies. His advice to young filmmakers is to trust their instincts and embrace risks, even in a risk-averse business.
The Christophers is currently playing in theatres, offering audiences a thought-provoking glimpse into the complexities of art and legacy through Soderbergh's unique lens.
