Spielberg's Near Miss: Gershwin Film with Colman Domingo

Steven Spielberg has revealed a project he was developing prior to 'Disclosure Day,' which did not come to fruition. He had intended to create a film centered on the famed Broadway duo Ira and George Gershwin, with a particular focus on the writing and staging process of their renowned opera, 'Porgy and Bess'.

During a conversation, Spielberg shared that he had already written a script and was actively casting the film. He met with actor Colman Domingo, who he intended to cast as the character Todd Duncan. However, Spielberg ultimately decided to abandon the project, a decision he rarely makes when so far into development. He cited having a 'second thought' as the sole reason for not moving forward.

'Porgy and Bess' is based on the Heyward's play and novel, detailing a disabled Black beggar's efforts to save Bess. The work was famously adapted into a 1959 film. While this Gershwin project did not materialize, Spielberg has continued to adapt stage works for the screen, including the critically acclaimed 2021 film 'West Side Story'.