Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Feb 11, 2025
Table of Contents
Could ‘E.T.’ Make a Comeback? Spielberg Sets the Record Straight on the Future of the Iconic Alien
The iconic 1982 classic, ‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’, has captured hearts for more than forty years. With Spielberg’s recent remarks, could there be more to the story? Is the extraterrestrial icon ready to make a return, or is the legacy of ‘E.T.’ meant to remain as a standalone masterpiece?
The Timeless Legacy of ‘E.T.’ and the Enduring Magic It Holds
When ‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’ was first released in 1982, no one could have predicted the immense cultural impact it would have. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film tells the heartwarming story of Elliott, a lonely young boy who befriends an alien left alone on Earth. Through their journey together, they form a bond that transcends the barriers of species, becoming a forever symbol of friendship, kindness, and the pure innocence of childhood.
The film was groundbreaking not only for its emotional depth but also for its stunning special effects, especially given the time in which it was made. It went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of all time, earning nearly $800 million globally. This success was cemented when it held the title of the highest-grossing film for over a decade, only being beaten by Spielberg’s own ‘Jurassic Park’ in 1993.
Yet, ‘E.T.’ was much more than a box office juggernaut—it became an integral part of popular culture. Who can forget the iconic line “E.T. phone home” or the unforgettable photo of Elliott and E.T. soaring across the moon on a bicycle? These moments, along with John Williams’ hauntingly beautiful score, have made the film a landmark of cinematic history.
The soundtrack, composed by John Williams, plays a crucial role creating the magic with its soaring themes encapsulating the heart of the film. The score’s orchestral depth adds layers to the story, turning ordinary moments into dream-like ones and amplifying the audience’s emotional connection to the characters.
For generations, the film has remained a light of childhood curiosity. Its themes of believing in the unknown and creating connections have resonated with audiences of all ages, ensuring its continued relevance.
But in today’s era, one question keeps surfacing among fans: Could ‘E.T.’ ever return to the big screen? Could the magical bond between Elliott and E.T. find new journeys in a sequel or a broader universe? Spielberg’s words, however, offer a conclusive answer.
Spielberg’s Stand on a Sequel: Why ‘E.T.’ Should Remain Untouched
As whispers circulated about a potential sequel to ‘E.T.’, Steven Spielberg took to the stage at a recent panel, addressing this growing buzz head-on. His message was clear: there will be no direct continuation of the film, as his desire to leave the film as it is. Sometimes, leaving things as they are is the most powerful form of renewal. We’ve all witnessed how some films lose their magic when a sequel fails to capture the same essence.
This sentiment is not new. Spielberg has long expressed a deep personal connection to ‘E.T.’, and he has stated many times that the story was meant to be self-contained. Revisiting it, he believes, would risk undermining the film’s original emotional impact. For Spielberg, ‘E.T.’ is a snapshot of a moment in time, an incarnation of childhood fascination and the innocence of its era. Trying to recapture that magic in today’s society sequel is something he is unwilling to risk.
This cautious approach is evident not just with ‘E.T.’ but in Spielberg’s general hesitance to revisit his past achievements. He famously resisted the idea of a ‘Jaws’ sequel for all of the same reasons. Even though ‘Jaws’ was another cultural hit, Spielberg did not want to tarnish the legacy of the film by creating something that might dilute its original power.
In Spielberg’s mind, ‘E.T.’ is perfect as it is. The film’s charm lies in its emotional and simplicity depth, qualities that a sequel may not be able to duplicate. By preserving the film as a standalone piece, Spielberg ensures that its magic remains untouched by unnecessary additions.
Could ‘E.T.’ Return in a Different Form? Exploring New Possibilities
Although Spielberg has firmly shut down the idea of a direct sequel, that does not mean that ‘E.T.’’s story has to remain confined to the 1982 film. In today’s world of cinematic reboots, reimaginings, and spin-offs, it’s possible that the ‘E.T.’ universe could be expanded in other and unexpected ways.
One unique option is a prequel. With today’s advancements in animation technology and visual effects, a modern retelling of E.T.’s origins could offer fans a fresh perspective on the adored character. A prequel could explore E.T.’s home planet and the events that led him to Earth. This would offer new perspectives to deepen the background surrounding E.T., bringing a whole new layer to the story.
A reimagining of the story could unfold within the same universe—imagine E.T.’s family and their whole story to share. This approach would allow filmmakers to stay true to the spirit of the original while bringing it to a new generation of audiences. With reboots and remakes being prevalent in today’s Hollywood, this could be a way to breathe new life into the ‘E.T.’ franchise while preserving the essence of the original movie.
Another option could be a streaming adaptation or an animated series. Such a format would allow for greater flexibility in storytelling, while still holding the heart and warmth that made the original so special.
Interestingly enough, E.T. did briefly return in 2019, although in a very different form: an Xfinity commercial. In this advertisement, an adult Elliott reconnects with his childhood alien friend, kindling waves of nostalgia among fans. The ad showcased how powerful the bond between Elliott and E.T. remains, and speculated questions about whether the character’s time had truly come to return to the big screen. While this was only an Xfinity advertisement and not a full-fledged continuation of the story, it did remind audiences of the emotional connection they have with the film.
Why Fans Still Hope for More: The Enduring Appeal of ‘E.T.’
Fans across the globe continue to hold a deep affection for the film and its characters, and that’s just something that’ll never go away. Despite Spielberg’s definitive stance on a direct sequel, the longing for more ‘E.T.’ remains palpable. For many, ‘E.T.’ represents more than just a movie—it’s part of their upbringing that they continue to hold close.
The film’s themes of new friendship, family, and the quest for exploration resonate in a world that often feels divided. The idea of an alien—far from home—finding compassion and love from a group of curious children serves as a hopeful reminder of the power of human connection. In a time where stories of positivity and unity are more important than ever, ‘E.T.’ serves as a sign of hope.
Fans have long speculated about the possibility of new stories within the ‘E.T.’ universe. Whether it’s through spin-offs exploring other characters from the original film or a new story inspired by its themes, there is potential to revisit the realm of ‘E.T.’ in a way that both honors its legacy and brings a new audience to it.
In the end, Spielberg’s reluctance to revisit the world of ‘E.T.’ stems from his deep desire to preserve the film’s magic. While fans may long to see their beloved alien friend return to the screen, sometimes it’s best to leave certain things untouched, allowing them to remain timeless and pure. The film’s legacy will continue to thrive regardless of whether it ever returns. Whether through modern adaptations, nostalgic tributes, or subtle references in popular culture, ‘E.T.’ will never truly disappear.
For now, fans can take comfort in revisiting the original film, knowing that the heart of ‘E.T.’ will always remain intact. But as history has shown us time and time again, nothing stays left behind forever in Hollywood. Perhaps, one day, ‘E.T.’ will find a new way to phone home—but for now, we can only love it for what it is. And in the meantime, we wait eagerly for the next masterpiece Steven Spielberg will bring to theaters, knowing that whatever it is, it will carry the same magic that has defined his legendary career.
Steven Spielberg will next be seen directing the 2026 film, ‘The Dish’, staring Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colman Domingo, Colin Firth, and Eve Hewson.
Drew Barrymore is thriving like never before on ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’, where she continues to captivate audiences with star-studded guests like Amy Schumer and Jesse Eisenberg.
By Emma Gladstone
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Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
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