Steven Spielberg OJ Simpson Chase Reaction Joke: “Steal my thunder”

Most of the action from Steven Spielberg’s 1974 debut film, Sugarland Expressunfolds during a lengthy car chase as Goldie Hawn and William Atherton’s characters attempt to escape a long convoy of police vehicles in an attempt to regain custody of their young foster son .

Although the film predates high-speed highway car chases, modern audiences might recall such events, including the infamous chase of OJ Simpson’s white Bronco, which took place approximately 30 years ago. years old, on June 17, 1994.

And of course, Spielberg himself admitted to thinking about his own movie when he saw the Bronco chase, which captivated audiences as it took over television.

Speaking after a 50th anniversary screening of Sugar country at the 2024 Tribeca Festival, Spielberg joked that he thought, “Damn, they’re stealing the show” when he saw the Simpsons chasing.

Elsewhere during the post-screening Q&A, Spielberg reflected on the making of the film, including Hawn’s starring role and her box office struggles as well as how that led to his next film, Jaws.

After a brief video message from Hawn, who shared fond memories of working with the Hollywood legend, Spielberg explained how he was thinking of her for his lead role when studio Universal said they wouldn’t make the film without a star .

“She has a pure and honest heart,” Spielberg said. “The film wouldn’t have been made without her.”

Even though Hawn wasn’t previously known for projects like Sugar country, Spielberg felt that she was right. However, he noted that expectations backfired, saying audiences expected to see a Goldie Hawn movie and get her movie, with its tragic ending.

Indeed, Spielberg recalled that the film received excellent reviews but performed so poorly at the box office that the studio withdrew it after two weeks.

So, he joked: “You are the first audience to see Sugarland Express in 50 years. » The BMCC venue in Lower Manhattan was packed, with the audience even giving Spielberg a standing ovation when he took the stage.

Sugar country producers Richard Zanuck and David Brown then brought Spielberg to Jaws by a fortuitous turn of events.

The award-winning director recalls seeing the kitchen for the Jaws delivers to Zanuck’s office. His assistant let Spielberg read it, and the filmmaker devoured it over the weekend. Even though a filmmaker was already attached, he left the project and Spielberg got the film.

The director also revealed a fun Easter egg for moviegoers: Zanuck’s son plays baby Langston, who Hawn and Atherton’s characters try to get back, in Sugarland Express.