Key Takeaways:
– Renowned filmmaker, Steven Spielberg, has declared there will be no sequel to his iconic movie, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
– Spielberg believes that a sequel might disappoint fans and harm the original movie’s sentimental value.
– However, he supports the idea of theatrical re-runs of E.T., similar to how Disney handles their classic movies.
– Spielberg’s enduring movie E.T. banked roughly $792 million worldwide and held the #1 position in the box office for 81 weeks.
Why No E.T. Sequel?
Steven Spielberg, the mastermind behind many iconic films, has firmly ruled out a sequel to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Despite the movie’s massive success and continued fan love, Spielberg thinks a sequel would only end up disappointing people.
Though he’s toyed with the idea, he made it clear in an interview with Rolling Stone that E.T.’s story should remain as it is. Spielberg expressed his preference for preserving the original film’s sentiment and integrity over making a sequel for commercial gain. It seems that the movie, which revolves around a friendly alien left behind on Earth, holds a special place in Spielberg’s heart due to its connection with his own experiences with his parents’ divorce.
The Disney Treatment For E.T.
Contrary to his views on a sequel, Spielberg wholeheartedly supports the idea of periodic theatrical reruns of his beloved film E.T., a concept Disney has been following for its classics. By re-releasing their iconic movies every seven years, Disney allows newer generations to experience them in the cinema. Spielberg wishes for the same for his 80’s hit film.
In his own words, Spielberg would love for E.T. to be released every five to seven years in movie theaters for another generation of children. He reinforced that E.T. is meant to be seen in a theatre, not just on a home cassette or cable.
E.T.’s Enduring Success
At its time of release, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was a monumental success, becoming the highest-grossing movie of the time. It held the coveted #1 spot for a record-breaking 81 consecutive weeks. With a worldwide gross of roughly $792 million, E.T.’s immense popularity and charm are undeniable.
Given the film’s timeless appeal, Spielberg’s proposal for periodic re-releases holds potential. Just like Disney’s beloved classics, E.T. has the capacity to captivate new audiences, ensuring its magic endures for future generations.
Though Spielberg has ruled out a sequel, fans and moviegoers can take comfort in the possibility of future big-screen reruns. Childhood nostalgia and the shared experience of watching E.T. on the big screen would indeed be a treat, just as Spielberg hopes.
