Legendary director Steven Spielberg recently opened up about a long-lost project that would have marked an earlier collaboration with actor Colman Domingo. During a guest appearance on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, Spielberg revealed that he once planned to direct a film about the lives of George and Ira Gershwin.
A Canceled Musical Drama
The project was intended to focus on the creative process behind the writing and staging of the classic opera Porgy and Bess. Spielberg shared that he had already secured a script and was deep into the casting process when he encountered Domingo. The director was searching for an actor to portray Todd Duncan, the performer who originated the role of Porgy on stage.
Spielberg noted that after meeting Domingo, he was convinced he had found his lead. However, despite assembling much of the cast, the filmmaker began to have second thoughts about the production. Ultimately, Spielberg decided to walk away from the project entirely, which prevented the two from working together at that time.
Reflecting on a Missed Opportunity
The story of Porgy and Bess has a long history in cinema, notably inspiring the 1959 film that starred Sidney Poitier and Dorothy Dandridge. While this specific collaboration did not come to fruition, Spielberg and Domingo have since established a strong professional relationship, having worked together on projects such as Lincoln and The Color Purple.
It is always fascinating to hear about the projects that never made it to the screen, especially when they involve such high-profile talent. Spielberg’s willingness to walk away from a film late in development highlights the rigorous standards he maintains for his work, even when it means passing on a project with a cast he believes in.
