Director Steven Spielberg is eyeing a bold move that could reshape his filmography on the horizon. Sources familiar with industry discussions indicate that a remake of the 1968 crime thriller Bullitt, featuring Bradley Cooper in the lead, could begin production next year. This update comes through coverage from Reel World, highlighting the project at the planning stage and signaling Spielberg’s intent to pursue a high-profile, star-driven crime drama that nods to classic cinema while aiming to offer fresh contemporary energy.
The project is being positioned as a respectful remake rather than a modern reimagining of the story. The core character of Lieutenant Bullitt, famously portrayed by Steve McQueen in the original film, remains central to the new incarnation, but the filmmakers are signaling that the narrative path will diverge enough to feel distinct. Script details remain under wraps, with Josh Singer, known for Spotlight, attached to craft the screenplay and shape the film’s voice, pacing, and tension. The intention is to honor the legacy of the source material while infusing a modern sensibility that audiences expect from a Spielberg project and a marquee lead like Cooper.
Bradley Cooper is not only set to star but will also assume a producer role, partnering with Spielberg and Christy Macosko Krieger to shepherd the project from development through production. This collaborative leadership promises a blend of Cooper’s acting prowess and Spielberg’s renowned directorial instincts, aiming to deliver a film that appeals to cinephiles and mainstream audiences alike. The combination signals a careful balance between glossy action, character-driven drama, and a streamlined noir texture that could mark a fresh entry in a storied franchise history.
Meanwhile, Spielberg remains deeply engaged in other high-profile projects. He is actively involved in a biopic about John Williams, the legendary composer behind iconic scores for a swath of influential films, including the Star Wars saga, the Imperial March, and timeless family and fantasy favorites. As Spielberg navigates multiple ambitious assignments, the Bullitt remake is positioned to begin once schedules align, with realistic planning suggesting a 2024- or 2025-timeframe for kickoff depending on production logistics and casting confirmations. This tempo keeps Spielberg in the director’s chair for a new chapter without sidelining the musical collaboration that continues to define his creative process.
The original Bullitt stands as a landmark adaptation of Robert L. Pike’s novel Silent Witness, directed by Peter Yates. Its reputation rests not only on the taut cat-and-mouse plot involving a San Francisco police officer named Frank Bullitt but also on scene-stealing sequences that set a new standard for action and pursuit filmmaking. The film’s car chase, in particular, remains a reference point for clarity, speed, and urban storytelling. The project under discussion seeks to capture that same kinetic energy while updating the visual language for today’s audiences, leveraging contemporary cinematography, practical effects, and a nuanced performance approach that contemporary viewers expect from a major studio release.
Industry chatter in July suggested that Spielberg has been vocal in interactions with creators and collaborators about his ongoing projects. While specifics around the Bullitt script remain tightly held, insiders note that the filmmaker’s enthusiasm for high-stakes thrillers and practical, grounded storytelling aligns with this remake’s ambitions. The collaboration with Cooper as lead and producer underscores a shared commitment to crafting a film that honors the original’s spirit while delivering a vibrant, contemporary experience that resonates within the current cinematic landscape. The project’s momentum reflects Spielberg’s persistent interest in genre-defining crime stories that can attract broad audiences and spark lively conversations among film enthusiasts and critics alike.
As fans await formal announcements regarding principal photography and release timing, observers recognize the potential for Bullitt to become a focal point in a year that already promises ambitious, character-rich cinema. The pairing of Spielberg with Cooper signals a project that could blend aspirational directing with strong, performance-driven storytelling. If all pieces align, this remake could add a memorable chapter to the Bullitt legacy and offer a fresh look at a city and an era through the lens of modern filmmaking craft, while still paying homage to the original film’s enduring influence.