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Steven Soderbergh’s new film “Black Bag” was not an initial priority for the acclaimed director. When he first teamed up with screenwriter David Koepp, the focus was on Koepp’s other project, a ghost story titled “Presence,” which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and was launched by Neon earlier this year. Although Soderbergh didn’t initially connect with “Black Bag,” he encouraged Koepp to continue developing the script.
“I just wanted him to write it,” Soderbergh shared. “My main interest was his process rather than directing the film myself.” However, once Koepp completed the screenplay, Soderbergh’s perspective changed entirely. “Oh, I want to do this,” he recalled feeling upon reading the finished draft.
The narrative of “Black Bag” revolves around married spies, George and Catherine, portrayed by Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett, whose bond faces strains when George is asked to surveil Catherine. The film is described as a gripping espionage thriller that merges marital drama with high-stakes spying, raising questions about trust and knowledge in relationships. Soderbergh likens its emotional depth to “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” while injecting elements from “Mission: Impossible.”
Soderbergh, who shares similar artistic tastes with Koepp, felt a strong connection to the script but admitted that two lengthy dinner sequences presented considerable challenges. “Every director dreads those kinds of scenes,” he expressed. “Koepp crafted the story around these set pieces, which, contrary to conventional screenwriting wisdom, halts the narrative for extensive dialogue.” He understood the necessity of these sequences, transforming his initial anxiety into a creative challenge.
Unlike his other 2025 projects, which emerged from independent production sources, “Black Bag” was fully financed by Universal’s Focus Features, a studio that has recently gained momentum with their unconventional release strategy. Soderbergh commended Focus for their commitment to making mid-tier budget films. “They deserve credit for backing a genre many studios have abandoned,” he noted, expressing hope that the film’s success could pave the way for similarly budgeted films focused on adult audiences. “I’m invested in its success to encourage studios to take a chance on more varied content,” he remarked.
After moving into streaming between 2018 and 2021, Soderbergh feels a blend of nostalgia and optimism about theatrical releases returning to prominence. He noted recent increases in young audience attendance, underscoring the potential for cultivating interest in more nuanced films like “Black Bag.” He hopes this trend continues, encouraging filmgoers to seek diverse cinematic experiences.
The Creation of “Black Bag”
Having known Koepp since 1989, when both filmmakers began finding success in the festival circuit, Soderbergh expressed concern about preserving their friendship during their collaboration. However, their partnership flourished, leading to three successful projects together. With both actors featuring prominently in his “permanent list” for collaboration, Soderbergh felt confident proposing roles in “Black Bag” to Fassbender and Blanchett simultaneously, envisioning them as a dynamic on-screen couple.
The casting process extended to other noteworthy talents, including Naomie Harris and Tom Burke. Soderbergh admired Burke’s work and even suggested him for a role to renowned director David Fincher for the film “Mank.” Castel favorite Regé-Jean Page and Marisa Abela also joined the ensemble, reflecting a blend of new and familiar faces on screen.
Though Soderbergh initially planned a feasibility study for a different spy film years earlier, he ultimately preferred the character-driven focus of “Black Bag.” “I was intrigued by the essence of communication and interactions,” he explained. “This film allowed for a deeper exploration of characters in intimate settings.”
Attracting an Adult Audience
Despite advancements in home cinema technology, Soderbergh emphasized the enduring appeal of the theater experience. He argues that a movie’s reach should not solely depend on spectacle. The success of “Contagion” in Imax exemplifies this, showing that thoughtful narratives can resonate with audiences. Soderbergh aspires to find avenues to showcase films not traditionally seen as event cinema.
With a traditional short window for theatrical exclusivity, Soderbergh aims to discover ways to “eventize” his movies, capitalizing on star presence and appealing narratives to draw audiences back into theaters.
Though Soderbergh often handles editing and cinematography tasks himself, he encountered delays for “Black Bag” due to ongoing commitments in Fassbender’s career, reflecting the challenges of coordinating schedules in high-demand film projects.
Future Endeavors for Soderbergh
Following “The Christophers,” which he wrapped shortly before our conversation, Soderbergh is also preparing a collection of earlier films for release through his website. This set will showcase hard-to-find titles, promising fans a unique retrospective experience.
While he remains engaged with various projects, Soderbergh clarified that he has no intentions of revisiting the “Ocean’s” franchise. Reflecting on his journey with the series, he stated, “I’ve done my time. It’s time for someone new and passionate to take over.”
Soderbergh is also uninterested in creating more “serious” films, preferring the creative freedom and excitement that genre-hopping provides. Although he has contemplated various potential projects, including collaborations with his wife, the specifics remain in flux. His fascination with different genres and filmmaking expressions continues, driven by his passion for storytelling.
As discussions unfolded about potential future endeavors, Soderbergh revealed an interest in exploring cinematic universes like “Star Wars” but remained focused on finishing current projects. With plenty of unfinished business on his plate, he continues to forge his distinct path in the evolving landscape of cinema.
Source
www.thewrap.com