Josh O'Connor signs on to Steven Spielberg's next sci-fi blockbuster

Josh O'Connor is to star in Stephen Spielberg's next sci-fi movie.

'The Crown' actor, 34, has signed on to lead the director's upcoming blockbuster alongside Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo and Eve Hewson.

The untitled picture will be based on a story by the legendary filmmaker, while scribe David Koepp – who had previously worked with Spielberg on his 2005 action movie 'War of the Worlds' - writes the script.

Although plot details are being kept under wraps, Universal Pictures teased the project - which is slated to hit cinemas on 15 May 2026 - would be a "new original event film", with the flick expected to include sci-fi elements in its story.

O'Connor will next be seen on the big screen in 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' – the third instalment in director Rian Johnson's whodunit series.

The 'Challengers' star is set to join franchise newcomers Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, Thomas Haden Church, Cailee Spaeny, Glenn Close, Andrew Scott and Josh Brolin in the movie, while Daniel Craig reprises his role as detective Benoit Blanc.

While most of the actors have kept tight-lipped as to the identity of their characters, Brolin previously revealed he would be playing a priest in the next 'Knives Out' entry.

Speaking with TotalFilm, the 'Avengers: Engdame' star shared: "I’m playing a priest. My wife reminded me … She said, 'Do you remember a year ago you said that you wanted to play a priest? It's like you manifest this s***.'"

Reflecting on the movie, Brolin heaped praise on his "new favourite director" Johnson and labelled the picture as "one of the greatest experiences [he's] ever had".

He gushed: "Rian is probably my new favourite director. It was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. Incredible cast."

In August, the 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' filmmaker confirmed production had wrapped on 'Wake Up Dead Man'.

Taking to X (previously known as Twitter) Johnson posted a picture of a graveyard with a sign that read "please be mindful of graves" and added the caption: "Aaaand that’s a wrap on 'Wake Up Dead Man'.

"Went so fast! Best crew, incredible cast, this was a really special shoot and I cannot wait to put it together (sic)."

'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' will have a limited theatrical run next year before it hits Netflix.