Steven Spielberg has been rumored for years to be the real director of Poltergeist, and the assistant cameraman is now saying it’s 100% true.

We don’t exactly have a big surprise here, at least for those who’ve heard these rumors before. But, apparently, the long-running story that Steven Spielberg is the real director of Poltergeist has seemingly been confirmed. So, perhaps instead of being pretty sure that was what happened, now we can be positive.

Wish Upon director John Leonetti is saying that the story is completely true, according to Bloody-Disgusting. Leonetti had actually worked on Poltergeist as an assistant cameraman, present on the set for every single shot. So other than coming from Spielberg himself, this is perhaps one of the most credible sources from the matter we could find.

Asked about the film, Leonetti had nothing to hide, telling BD straight up that Poltergeist is a Steven Spielberg film:

There’s a lot going on. And candidly… Steven Spielberg directed that movie. There’s no question.

If that weren’t enough, Leonetti is also providing photographic evidence of Spielberg directing the film. The photo shows a very excited Tobe Hooper seated on the set, with Spielberg pointing from behind him. Next to them are Leonetti and his brother working the camera. Spielberg really seems to be in “director mode” in the pic, which you can see for yourself below.

At least Tobe’s still happy to be there!

Credit: John Leonetti

For what it’s worth, Leonetti adds that Spielberg taking the reigns is nothing against Hooper. More or less, Hooper was brought on as a pawn, just in case there were to be a writer’s strike. Leonetti also suggests that Hooper was completely aware of this, and totally OK with it. And still got to do some directing when Spielberg took short breaks from the set.

Hooper may not be the real director of Poltergeist, but make no mistake — the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre is all him. So the guy did direct what’s possibly the scariest movie of all time, so he can still take some solace in that.