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Steven Spielberg is returning to science fiction with his upcoming movie Disclosure Day, and the film has already sparked major curiosity among movie fans.
One of the most searched questions right now is: Does Steven Spielberg’s new movie Disclosure Day take place in Kansas City? The confusion began after the release of the official teaser, which prominently features a Kansas City television broadcast during a mysterious and unsettling moment.
This article explains every confirmed detail, including the story setting, filming locations, cast, plot clues, and why Kansas City matters—all presented clearly and accurately.
What Is Disclosure Day About?
Disclosure Day is an upcoming science fiction thriller directed and produced by Steven Spielberg. The screenplay is written by David Koepp, a long-time Spielberg collaborator.
The story explores themes of government secrecy, unexplained aerial phenomena, media influence, and the global revelation of hidden truths.
The movie leans heavily into suspense rather than action, focusing on ordinary people experiencing extraordinary events, a storytelling style Spielberg is famous for.
Kansas City’s Role in Disclosure Day
The answer is yes—but only partially.
In the official teaser trailer:
- Emily Blunt plays a local television meteorologist working at a Kansas City news station
- During a live weather broadcast, her speech suddenly turns into strange, non-human clicking sounds
- This moment appears to be one of the inciting incidents of the film
While Kansas City is clearly established as an important early setting, there is no confirmation that the entire movie takes place there. Instead, Kansas City seems to act as a launch point for a much larger, global storyline.
Was Disclosure Day Filmed in Kansas City?
Despite Kansas City being featured in the story, the movie was not primarily filmed there.
Principal photography took place in:
- New Jersey
- New York
- Atlanta
- Coastal and urban U.S. locations
Kansas City appears to be a story location, recreated through set design and visual effects rather than on-location filming.
Main Cast and Characters
The film features a strong ensemble cast:
- Emily Blunt – A Kansas City meteorologist whose broadcast triggers global concern
- Josh O’Connor – A man pushing to expose hidden truths
- Colin Firth – A powerful authority figure tied to secrecy
- Eve Hewson – A journalist investigating unexplained signals
- Colman Domingo – A government insider
- Wyatt Russell – Supporting role connected to the unfolding events
Key Facts and Figures About Disclosure Day
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Title | Disclosure Day |
| Director | Steven Spielberg |
| Screenwriter | David Koepp |
| Genre | Science Fiction / Thriller |
| Release Date | June 12, 2026 |
| Main Setting Shown | Kansas City (TV broadcast scenes) |
| Primary Filming Locations | New Jersey, New York, Atlanta |
| Music Composer | John Williams |
| Distributor | Universal Pictures |
| Story Focus | UFO disclosure, media disruption, global truth |
| Format | Theatrical release, including IMAX |
Why Kansas City Is Important to the Story
Kansas City was likely chosen for symbolic reasons:
- It represents middle America, grounding the story in realism
- A local weather broadcast makes the alien intrusion feel sudden and personal
- The city serves as a believable starting point before events escalate worldwide
Spielberg often begins his sci-fi stories in ordinary American settings, allowing audiences to connect emotionally before the scale expands.
Is Disclosure Day a Return to Classic Spielberg Sci-Fi?
Yes. The film marks a return to Spielberg’s UFO-driven storytelling, reminiscent of Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. Unlike fast-paced blockbusters, Disclosure Day focuses on fear, confusion, and human reaction, using minimal exposition and strong emotional beats.
So, does Disclosure Day take place in Kansas City?
Partially, yes. Kansas City is a key story location, especially during the film’s early moments involving Emily Blunt’s character.
However, the movie is not entirely set or filmed there. Instead, Kansas City acts as a starting point for a much larger narrative involving global consequences and hidden truths.
As excitement builds toward its 2026 release, Disclosure Day is shaping up to be one of Steven Spielberg’s most intriguing science fiction films in years.