Spielberg on Stopping a Sequel to ‘E.T.’: “That was a real hard-fought victory.”

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At a recent gathering with Drew Barrymore for the TCM Classic Film Festival, Steven Spielberg explained why he decided not to make another E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial sequel. He mentioned that by doing so, it allowed him to gain more control over his film projects in the long run.

Following the enormous success of E.T. in 1982, Spielberg took steps to prevent any future sequels, adaptations, or use of his creative work from being made without his consent.

At that moment in time, Spielberg didn’t possess the authority to make those decisions. He stated that it was a challenging win because he lacked what is known as “the freeze” rights. However, following the success of E.T., Spielberg acquired that control, thereby securing the final decision-making power for his future projects.

Steven Spielberg contemplated creating another tale based on a book titled “The Green Planet,” which delved into E.T.’s home planet. However, he found the concept unsuitable for a movie and abandoned it. He stated, “I didn’t want to make a sequel.” Additionally, he expressed, “I have no desire to see E.T. in any setting other than this stage.

Barrington expressed that she comprehended his decision to not make a sequel to the movie, even as a youngster. She remembered discussing this with Spielberg and realizing there wouldn’t be any follow-up. ‘I thought it was a shrewd move,’ she said. ‘What comes next? It’s wiser to let something flawless remain unchanged.’

At the discussion, Spielberg reminisced about selecting Barrymore for the role, as she was just six years of age back then. He recounted how she won him over during her tryout by peppering him with inquiries and discussing her ambition to establish a punk rock group.

He made a joke saying ‘Her job was titled “The Purple People Eater,”‘ and Barrymore fondly recalled her memorable ‘scream trial,’ during which her energetic acting supposedly caused some damage to the equipment.

Spielberg shared that working on E.T. held a unique significance for him because it felt deeply personal. Following the direction of major projects such as Raiders of the Lost Ark, he expressed that E.T. provided an opportunity for him to unwind and share a story close to his own heart. Essentially, he stated, “It was my story. I simply wanted to create this film for myself.

The remarkable success of the film had an unforeseen impact on Steven Spielberg’s personal life. He openly confessed that directing E.T. made him yearn to become a father. Later on, Drew Barrymore revealed how the movie significantly altered her own existence. In her words, “Every aspect of my life is rooted in the belief one person had in me – Steven Spielberg.

The bond between them has remained robust throughout the years, as Barrymore characterizes their relationship as tight-knit and reliable. Spielberg mentioned that he’s watched E.T. more than any other film of his, frequently sharing the experience with his children and grandchildren. Barrymore shared that she too has introduced the movie to her two daughters, expressing pride for it as the project she cherishes most.

For Spielberg and Barrymore, the film “E.T.” wasn’t simply a production; it was a transformative experience that significantly impacted the trajectory of their careers and personal journeys.

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2025-01-27 17:14