Known for starring in the action-adventure franchise Fast & Furious, Vin Diesel has come a long way as an actor in Hollywood. Following an uncredited role in the 1990 film Awakenings, he went on to write, direct, and produce his next two projects, Multi-Facial and Strays. Fortunately, one of the most prominent filmmakers had his eye on Diesel’s work, which would later change the course of his career.

Vin Diesel
He got a call from Steven Spielberg while he was working as a teleprompter as he struggled to land an acting job at the time. Talking about his first meeting with the director, Diesel said that he did not want to repeat the same thing Spielberg had likely heard numerous times before. However, circumstances led him to reluctantly echo the very words he had wanted to avoid.

Vin Diesel Wanted to Avoid These Words Upon Meeting Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg’s 1998 film Saving Private Ryan is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time. Set during the events of World War II, the movie follows a group of soldiers led by Captain John Miller on a mission to save a young soldier.
Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Starring an ensemble cast, including Tom Hanks, Edward Burns, Adam Goldberg, Matt Damon, and Vin Diesel, it won five Oscars at the 71st Academy Awards. During the initial stages of production, the filmmaker called the Riddick star to meet him with an offer to star in his upcoming movie.

As per the Los Angeles Times, the actor met Spielberg on the set of his 1997 historical drama, Amistad. Diesel shared that he was nervous before his first meeting with the filmmaker but also wanted to have a good impression. He said that he was conflicted over his looks and what he should say.
Vin Diesel in Saving Private Ryan (1998)
But one thing he wanted to avoid was saying, “I’m a big fan of your work,” as he would have heard the same thing many times. However, he did not expect the Jaws director to say the same thing to him. “I get in front of him, and he says, ‘I’m a fan of your work,’” he recalled. After being complimented by Spielberg, Diesel also did not hold back and told the director that he is also a huge fan of his work.

Vin Diesel Made Some Directorial Suggestions to Steven Spielberg

Along with Vin Diesel, Steven Spielberg’s 1998 film featured other actors with filmmaking experience, including Tom Hanks and Edward Burns. And working alongside such a renowned actor was like a blessing for Diesel, not only as an actor but also as a filmmaker.
Steven Spielberg on the sets of Saving Private Ryan
During a conversation with Men’s Health, he recalled a suggestion he made to the filmmaker for one of the scenes. The Jurassic Park director followed his directions, which resulted in a shot that was used in the movie’s marketing in the official trailer.

He also recalled what Spielberg told him, “I didn’t hire you just as an actor. Vin, I expect you to be directing. I expect you to be directing.” It seems likely because Spielberg saw his work as an actor and director in both Multi-Facial and Strays.
Vin Diesel with Steven Spielberg
He has also shared that the Oscar-winning director wanted to “secretly championing” the filmmaker inside him, who, according to him, has not directed enough. Diesel only took the directorial role for the Fast & Furious short-film prequel, Los Bandoleros after Strays. However, it would be hard to say when he would return to the directing chair.

Saving Private Ryan is available on Prime Video.