The covers feature scenes from Spielberg’s most famous movies: Jaws, _Raiders of the Lost Ark_, _E__T the Extra-Terrestrial_ and _Saving Private Ryan_, as well as _Ready Player One_, the director’s new virtual reality film, which hits cinemas on March 29.

The issue includes an exclusive interview and photo shoot with Spielberg, an inside look at _Ready Player One_, plus interviews and essays from the following Directors and Actors: Martin Scorsese, JJ Abrams, Tom Hanks, Christopher Nolan, Josh Brolin, Edgar Wright, Rian Johnson, Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern and Sam Neill.

Terri White, Editor-in-Chief of Empire, commented: “Sometimes editing _Empire_ is dead hard – and sometimes you get a phone call saying that yes, Steven Spielberg would like to take over the magazine for one issue and it’s the greatest job in the world.

“We were thrilled to collaborate with Steven Spielberg, the man who changed cinema forever, on this issue. If you can read this issue without shedding a tear, you’re a stronger woman than me.”

The issue is being supported with more exclusive pictures, interviews and video content across _Empire_’s social accounts and website.

The issue goes on sale on February 22.