Steven Spielberg recently opened up about how he prevented a sequel to his iconic 1982 film ET: The Extra-Terrestrial. Speaking at an event alongside Drew Barrymore, he described the decision as a “hard-fought victory.”
Spielberg Didn’t Have Rights Initially
Steven Spielberg explained that he lacked the legal power to block a sequel when ET was released. “That was a real hard-fought victory because I didn’t have any rights,” he said, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. He admitted that, before ET, he didn’t have the ability to stop studios from making sequels or remakes. “I didn’t have what we call ‘the freeze,’” he revealed, referring to the contractual right to control sequels and other uses of intellectual property.
However, the success of ET changed everything. “I got it after ET because of its success,” Spielberg added.
A Cultural Phenomenon
ET became an instant classic, featuring Drew Barrymore, Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Robert MacNaughton, and Peter Coyote. The film won four Academy Awards and broke box office records, earning over $300 million in the US. It was the highest-grossing film of 1982 and held the record until Spielberg’s Jurassic Park surpassed it in the 1990s.
Spielberg’s Decision to Avoid a Sequel
Despite the massive success, Spielberg chose not to make a sequel. “I just did not want to make a sequel,” he stated. While he briefly considered the idea, he couldn’t find the right story. “The only thing I could think about was a book called The Green Planet, which would take place at ET’s home,” he shared. However, Spielberg felt it worked better as a novel than a film. He emphasized, “I have no intention ever of seeing ET anywhere outside of this proscenium.”
Barrymore Agreed With Spielberg
Drew Barrymore, who played Gertie in the film, recalled discussing the sequel with Spielberg. “I remember you saying, ‘We are not making a sequel to ET,’” she said. Although she was only eight years old at the time, she understood his reasoning. “Where do we go from here? They’re just going to compare it to the first and leave something that’s perfect alone in isolation,” she added.
Challenges of Continuing the Story
Universal Pictures considered making a sequel in the 1980s due to the film’s immense success. However, the passing of ET writer Melissa Mathison in 2015 made it hard to imagine continuing the story. Henry Thomas, who played Elliott, admitted, “It’s hard to think about a sequel without a script from her.”
ET’s Impact on Spielberg and Barrymore
During the discussion, Spielberg reflected on how ET changed his life. He revealed that making the film inspired him to want children. “Up until that point, I would just make movies. My life was obsessed with just telling stories,” he explained. “But making ET made me want to be a dad.”
For Barrymore, the film remains a defining moment in her life. “ET for me is the one I’m the most proud of because it’s the one that changed my life,” she said. She credited Spielberg’s belief in her as a turning point. “Everything in my life is about how I got believed in by one human being, and that is the life I try to honor every day,” she shared.
A Timeless Classic
ET: The Extra-Terrestrial tells the story of Elliott, a young boy who befriends an alien stranded on Earth. The film, known for its themes of friendship and compassion, became a cultural phenomenon. It remains one of the most beloved sci-fi films in history, with fans around the world cherishing its legacy.
