Steven Spielberg Reveals E.T.'s Bittersweet Farewell in Latest Podcast
A Heartfelt Revelation from Spielberg
Steven Spielberg is enjoying a remarkable week as his new film, Disclosure Day, takes the global box office by storm. The acclaimed director has found himself in the limelight once again, this time due to his candid remarks about the beloved 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. During an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, alongside stars Emily Blunt and Josh O'Connor, Spielberg addressed a question that has lingered for over forty years: “Did Elliott and E.T. ever reunite after their emotional goodbye?” The response is sure to evoke mixed feelings among fans worldwide.
A Goodbye That Lasted A Lifetime
On the podcast, Spielberg clarified long-held fan theories, stating that Elliott never physically encountered E.T. again. However, he noted that Elliott continued to dream about him, indicating a psychic connection between the two. Spielberg described the poignant farewell scene in the film as a promise that would resonate throughout Elliott’s life. He emphasized that E.T.'s words while touching Elliott’s forehead before departing were not merely a goodbye but a lifelong commitment.
These insights also clarify the ongoing debate regarding E.T. and adult Elliott's reunion depicted in a nostalgic 2019 Xfinity Holiday commercial featuring Henry Thomas. According to Spielberg, the farewell at the film's conclusion was indeed the final goodbye.
From Elliott's Backyard to the Big Screen: The Story of E.T.
Debuting on June 11, 1982, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial narrates the tale of ten-year-old Elliott, who stumbles upon an alien accidentally left on Earth during a mission. He conceals the alien at home and, along with his siblings Michael and Gertie, played by a young Drew Barrymore, forms a profound emotional bond while assisting him in returning home, all while evading a government task force.
Written by Melissa Mathison and produced by Universal Pictures with a modest budget of $10.5 million, the film achieved remarkable success, grossing $797.3 million globally and becoming the highest-grossing film of the 1980s. It dominated the box office for nearly four months, won four Academy Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects, and secured two Golden Globes. In 1994, it was also inducted into the US National Film Registry for its cultural significance. More than forty years later, the emotional essence of Spielberg’s latest project, Disclosure Day, feels reminiscent. This new alien-themed film, currently in theaters, features Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, and Colin Firth, and explores the intersection of human and extraterrestrial life.