Steven Spielberg has revealed that his long-standing ambition to direct a James Bond film was thwarted not once, but twice by the franchise’s legendary producer, Albert R Broccoli.

Speaking on the podcast “The Rest Is Entertainment”, the Oscar-winning filmmaker recalled how he approached Broccoli after the success of “Jaws” in 1975, hoping to join one of cinema’s most enduring franchises.

Spielberg said he had been fascinated by Bond films since watching “Dr No” and believed directing a 007 adventure would be a natural next step in his career. However, his offer was swiftly declined.

The filmmaker said he tried again a few years later following the commercial success of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”. According to Spielberg, Broccoli contacted him seeking permission to use the film’s iconic five-note musical motif in the 1979 Bond film “Moonraker”.

Seeing an opportunity, Spielberg proposed a deal: he would allow the music to be used if he could direct a Bond film. The answer, he said, was once again no.

Although disappointed, Spielberg said the rejection ultimately changed the course of his career.

He recalled discussing the setback with George Lucas around the time “Star Wars” was reshaping Hollywood. Lucas responded by pitching him an adventure project that was then known as “Indiana Smith”.

That conversation eventually led to “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and the creation of the Indiana Jones franchise, one of the most successful film series in cinema history.

Looking back, Spielberg said Broccoli never explained why he was unwilling to bring him into the Bond fold.

Today, however, the director views the situation with humour. Asked whether he would consider directing a Bond film if offered the opportunity now, Spielberg joked that the franchise would struggle to meet his price.

“If they ever asked me to make a Bond film now,” he said, “my answer would be: ‘You can’t afford me.’”