Colman Domingo is opening up about his experience working with Steven Spielberg on the new sci-fi thriller Disclosure Day. The Oscar-nominated actor revealed how a small habit from his husband, Raul Domingo, helped shape his character’s most meaningful moment in the film. Domingo also shared honest thoughts about his first day on set acting opposite Colin Firth and working with Emily Blunt.
Disclosure Day marks Spielberg’s return to science fiction. The movie explores what happens when humanity discovers that proof of non-human intelligence has been kept secret for decades. The film stars Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, and Domingo. It hits theaters in the United States on June 12, 2026, with global releases starting June 10.
Domingo Felt ‘Like Being Shot Out of a Cannon’ on First Day
Domingo admitted feeling scared when he walked onto the set for his first scene. He plays Hugo, a man dealing with loyalty, friendship, and a growing moral crisis. His first day required him to film a heavy emotional scene with Colin Firth.
“I felt like I was being shot out of a cannon to start with that material. I was afraid of it for a moment, but it’s also great to be a little afraid on your first day.” – Colman Domingo
Instead of letting the fear take over, Domingo grabbed Firth and asked him to run through the scene together immediately. The two actors worked back and forth to find the right rhythm for their characters. Domingo called Colin Firth “a gem of an actor” for how easily they connected.
Firth plays Scanlon, a former friend and colleague of Domingo’s character who is going through a deep crisis of faith. The two men were once close but now find themselves on opposite sides. Domingo explained that his character Hugo never gives up on the friendship. He keeps trying to save Scanlon by appealing to his better side.
A Small Gesture From His Husband Became the Character’s Heart
For one important scene that the filmmakers are keeping under wraps, Domingo made a small but powerful choice. He turned his hands upward so his palms faced open. The actor said this came from watching his husband Raul for many years.
“I did something instinctively during this scene: I turned my hands up, so my palms were open. This was something I had internalized from Raul, a thing I noticed about him, dating back to when we first met, which was that he sat with his hands open. That told me he was a very open human being — open to whatever the crucial moments of life bring you.” – Colman Domingo
As Domingo kept working on the character, he realized this openness fit Hugo perfectly. He decided Hugo would sit the same way, with hands open and ready to receive whatever comes. The actor brought this idea to Spielberg. Together, they changed the scene from an emotional moment into something more peaceful. Domingo called the final result “simple, elegant and quite beautiful”.
Spielberg’s Sci-Fi Return Brings Hope and Mystery
Disclosure Day centers on Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt), a meteorologist, and Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor), a cybersecurity expert who uncovers evidence of a long-running cover-up. The two find themselves chased by governments and corporations trying to contain the truth.
Spielberg told BBC at the London premiere that his views on alien life have changed over the decades. He said he has become more optimistic that people will discover things that have been kept from them. The 79-year-old director also said the movie is about empathy and bringing people together. He believes discovering alien life would unite humanity rather than divide it.
Josh O’Connor shared similar thoughts. He read the script in one sitting because it thrilled him so much. The actor said the film feels needed right now because it offers hope and explores understanding between people.
Domingo Wept Reading the Script
This marks Domingo’s second time working with Spielberg. The director almost cast him in a film about composer George Gershwin back in 2010. That movie never happened, but Spielberg remembered Domingo and gave him a small role in Lincoln (2012). Now they have finally worked together again on Disclosure Day.
When Domingo first got the script, he cleared his schedule to read it properly. By the end, he was crying. He immediately called Spielberg to say thank you. Domingo said the film shows how much faith the director has in humanity.
The actor also revealed that Spielberg sent him real research materials about UAPs to help prepare for the role. Domingo used this information to shape his performance and better understand the world of the movie.
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The Film Opens in Theaters Worldwide This Week
Disclosure Day premiered in New York City on June 8, 2026, at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. Emily Blunt walked the red carpet with her husband, actor and filmmaker John Krasinski. Spielberg attended with his wife Kate Capshaw and his daughters.
The movie will release across different countries starting June 10. UK, France, Germany, and South Korea get it on June 10. Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and UAE get it on June 11. The US, Canada, India, and Spain get it on June 12. Japan will see a later release on July 10, 2026.
The screenplay comes from David Koepp, who worked with Spielberg on Jurassic Park and War of the Worlds. The story is based on an original idea from Spielberg himself. Universal Pictures distributes the film, which will also play in IMAX theaters.
Colman Domingo called Emily Blunt “a gem of an actor” in the same interview. He praised her work on the film without giving away any details about her performance.
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