
It’s 1982. The world falls in love with a little alien who just wants to “phone home,” and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial becomes an instant classic. Fast forward to today, and while many beloved ’80s films have spawned sequels, reboots, and spin-offs, E.T. stands alone—and we have Steven Spielberg to thank for that.
At a recent TCM Classic Film Festival event in New York, Spielberg opened up about his battle to keep E.T. a one-and-done masterpiece.
“That was a real hard-fought victory because I didn’t have any rights,” Spielberg shared. Back then, he didn’t have what’s known as “the freeze”—the legal power to block sequels or remakes of his own work. Can you imagine creating something so iconic and not having total control over its future?
For a brief moment, though, Spielberg toyed with the idea of a sequel. He even started developing a concept that eventually became the novel E.T.: The Book of the Green Planet. But as Spielberg reflected on it, he realized that some stories are better left untouched on the big screen. And he wasn’t the only one who felt that way. Drew Barrymore, who played Gertie in the original film, agreed. “They’re just going to compare it to the first and leave something that’s perfect alone in isolation, open to scrutiny,” she said. And she’s right—how do you top perfection?
When E.T. was released, it didn’t just break box office records by earning $359.2 million in the U.S.; it became the highest-grossing film of all time, surpassing Star Wars. It also snagged nine Oscar nominations and took home four. The film’s mix of heart, wonder, and timeless storytelling is why it still resonates today.
The closest we’ve come to a sequel is the 2019 Xfinity commercial, where an adult Elliott (played by Henry Thomas) reunites with E.T. during the holidays. It was a sweet nod to the past, but even Thomas admitted that this was “as close to a sequel as [Spielberg is] willing to go.”
In a world obsessed with reboots and sequels, Spielberg’s decision to protect E.T. feels even more special. The film was deeply personal for him, inspired by his own childhood experiences with divorce. That emotional authenticity is part of what made E.T. so magical—and why it’s better left as is.
So here’s to Spielberg for knowing when to leave a good thing alone. Because honestly, some stories are perfect just the way they are.