Sicklerville, N.J. — (The Hollywood Times) 7/1/2026 — What do legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, members of the U.S. government, and millions of Americans have in common?
They’re fascinated by one of humanity’s oldest questions: Are we alone in the universe?
It’s also the topic of bestselling author, podcaster, and retired U.S. Army Colonel Gene P. Abel’s latest book, Are They Out There?, which examines UFO sightings, government reports, historical accounts, and the enduring search for extraterrestrial life.
Interest in the topic has never been greater. Spielberg’s new sci-fi thriller, Disclosure Day, released June 12, 2026, explores government secrets surrounding alien technology as the world teeters on the brink of World War III.
In recent interviews, Spielberg has said that Disclosure Day follows ET: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), and that these movies solidify his belief that aliens exist in the universe.
Starring Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, and Colin Firth, the film follows a cybersecurity expert who uncovers classified evidence of human-alien encounters dating back to the Roswell incident.
“I was astounded when I saw Spielberg’s Disclosure Day and the direct connection it makes with my UFO documentary, Are They Out There,” Abel said. “They both deal with the use of alien technology, crop circles, alien abduction, and more.”
If you are interested in Disclosure Day, the Congressional hearings on UFOs and Aliens, Roswell, and the like, Abel strongly recommends checking out several of his books on aliens and time travel. In fact, making this author and podcaster a true trendsetter, Abel’s book came out 15 months before Disclosure Day.
Drawing on decades of military experience and extensive research, Abel examines what governments may, and may not, be revealing about unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs).
His book explores more than 700 reported UAP incidents in a single year, including 21 that remain unexplained, while also considering eyewitness accounts and historical records.
With UFO sightings, mysterious drones, and Congressional hearings dominating headlines, Abel believes the time is right to revisit one of the world’s greatest mysteries.
Originally published in 2021 and updated in 2025, Are They Out There? also features striking color images from the Hubble and James Webb Space telescopes that underscore the vastness of the universe and pose a compelling question: Could Earth really be home to the only intelligent life?
The established author has written more than a dozen books (three of them bestsellers). Many of which center on science fiction and time travel, including the Defenders of Time trilogy. Several of his books were mentioned in the Hollywood Reporter last year.
He’s also the host of the popular Alien Agenda podcast, now in its third season, where he explores UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and the latest developments in the field.
“Until humanity reaches a level of technology that allows us to bypass the limits of light speed, the best we can do is continue looking to the stars,” Abel says. “Or hope that a civilization advanced enough to cross those distances decides to visit us.”
Abel believes science fiction often foreshadows reality. “I’m fascinated by the possibility that sci-fi may predict what’s to come,” he says. “The more we learn, the more we realize how much we still don’t know.”
As for the Congressional hearings on UFOs, Abel believes they’re only the beginning. “The pressure is mounting because of the increasing number of sightings,” he says. “The military encounters are contributing to Congressional action, and I think the government is beginning to open the door—just a crack.”
Rather than slowing down after retiring, Abel continues writing, podcasting, and engaging with fellow UFO enthusiasts. An advance review of Are They Out There? earned a five-star rating from Readers’ Favorite, and he remains committed to exploring one of humanity’s most intriguing questions.
What does he hope readers and listeners take away from his work? “I hope they gain a better understanding of the evidence, become more curious, and make informed decisions for themselves,” says Abel. “If we ever do encounter extraterrestrial life, we’ll be better prepared to understand it.”
The following is a Q&A with Gene P. Abel
What first inspired your interest in UFOs?
I’ve always loved science fiction — from Star Trek and Star Wars to The Day the Earth Stood Still and War of the Worlds. That sparked my fascination with the possibility that other civilizations may be far more advanced than we are. The more we learn, the more we realize how much we still don’t know.
Why do you spend so much time exposing fake UFO stories?
I want readers to question what they see, hear, and read. Some reports are credible, while others clearly are not. My goal is to encourage people to do their own research, seek corroboration, and think critically.
For example, there are centuries-old religious paintings that appear to depict objects in the sky. Christopher Columbus wrote in his diary about seeing a mysterious object disappear into the ocean. I also discuss a 1941 Missouri crash witnessed by a pastor and his granddaughter. Whether people believe these accounts or not, they deserve thoughtful examination.
Why did you write Are They Out There?
I wanted to sift through decades of evidence and present some of the most credible information available to help readers explore one of humanity’s oldest questions: Are we alone?
What do the color photographs add to the book?
The Hubble and James Webb Space Telescope images illustrate the staggering size and complexity of the universe. They inspire readers to ask, “With a universe this vast, could Earth really be the only place where intelligent life exists?”
Why should readers pick up this book now?
Public interest has surged because of recent drone sightings, Congressional hearings, and increased discussion of unidentified aerial phenomena. It’s the perfect time to examine the evidence with an open mind.
Did you watch the Congressional UFO hearings? What was your takeaway?
Yes, although I didn’t think we learned very much. I believe the government remains reluctant to reveal everything it knows because of concerns about how the public would react. History shows that sensitive information isn’t always released.
How do you respond to skeptics who dismiss UFOs as fiction?
Some reports are undoubtedly fabricated, but others come from credible witnesses and are supported by additional evidence. My book separates fact from fiction while examining cases that deserve serious consideration.
Several of your books involve time travel. If you could visit any era, where would you go?
I’d travel back to see how ancient wonders like the Great Pyramids were actually built.
Why did you launch your podcast, Alien Agenda?
I wanted another platform to explore whether intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe. Drawing on my military experience, I examine credible evidence and share firsthand accounts from people with compelling stories.
What do you enjoy most about hosting the podcast?
The enthusiasm people have for this topic is incredible. Everyone wonders whether we’re being watched or whether contact could someday happen. I enjoy exploring those possibilities with my audience.
What is your life philosophy?
You won’t hit a home run every time you step up to the plate — but you’ll never hit one if you don’t step up at all.
Why not retire after full military and civilian careers?
Because I’m still learning. Every image from the space telescopes reminds me how little we truly know about the universe. I believe one of God’s greatest gifts is our ability to keep learning, asking questions, and expanding our understanding.
For More Information, go to:
Website: https://www.genepabelbooks.com/
Podcast: https://www.genepabelbooks.com/alien-agenda-podcast/
