Steven Spielberg Admits to Pondering Over E.T. Sequel Ideas

Info in Movie News | Steven Spielberg has revealed that he once wanted to make a sequel to his iconic film, E.T. (1982), but was put off the idea. The insight was made during a reunion with actress Drew Barrymore, which took place at the TCM Classic Film Festival: New York Pop-Up x 92NY.

Spielberg admitted that E.T.’s blockbuster success made studios interested in the property for sequels. But he believed the concept wasn’t any use, and even expressed that with the studio co-founded.

“It was a very difficult battle to win because I didn’t have the verbal rights,” Spielberg said of his fight against the studio’s wishes.

He went on to explain, “Before E.T., I held some rights, but not to a significant extent. I lacked the so-called 'staying power' that would allow me to prevent a studio from moving forward with a sequel, as that requires control over sequel and remake rights associated with intellectual property.”

Spielberg admitted not wanting to make a sequel, although he considered its storyline development. "I pondered it briefly, just for a moment, to see if I could formulate a story," he said.

The only story idea that popped into his head was a book called The Green Planet, which would focus on E.T.’s home. “We could each go to E.T.’s house and see how he lives. But this would be much better as a novel than as a movie,” Spielberg said.

The Book of the Green Planet, according to Variety, is a novel released in 1985 by William Kotzwinkle who also wrote the novel adaptation of the original film. The book chronicles E.T. returning to his home planet and realizing that things have changed since his last visit.

The original E.T., which came out in 1982, is a classic science fiction film from the mind of Melissa Mathison and the directorial efforts of Spielberg. The film was an instant hit upon its release, making $797.3 million worldwide on a $10 million budget.

According to Variety, E.T. held the record for the highest ticket sales for 11 years until it was surpassed by Spielberg's own film, Jurassic Park.