5 Surprising Facts About The Making Of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

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Few movies from the 1980s, and even fewer films overall, manage to capture the pure magic and joy of watching movies quite like Steven Spielberg’s beloved science fiction film, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

This iconic film, released in 1982, is famous for its amazing special effects and powerfully moving story. Despite its lasting impact, the behind-the-scenes story of how it was made remains largely untold, even after nearly four decades.

The story of how E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial came to be started in the 1970s. Director Steven Spielberg, having just finished Close Encounters of the Third Kind, initially planned a related movie. This idea eventually evolved into the beloved film we know today, but the process was much more complicated than the iconic flying bicycle scene suggests.

Many things shaped the making of this film, from initial ideas that were set aside to events from the director’s own life. These influences came together to create a beloved childhood classic that people still enjoy today, even after forty years. Let’s explore how, when, and why E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was made.

E.T. Began As A Horror Movie

The initial idea for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was drastically different from the heartwarming film we know today. Following the success of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Steven Spielberg started working on a much more intense project in the late 1970s, originally titled Watch the Skies, which later became Night Skies.

Originally, Night Skies was planned as a follow-up to Close Encounters, featuring alien scientists clashing with a family and their farm animals. This idea was quite dark – elements of it even influenced the horror film Poltergeist, which Steven Spielberg helped create. However, the director ultimately decided to use a different story from the original script and developed it into the screenplay for E.T.

That story element focused on one of the aliens becoming friends with the family’s son, eventually becoming the iconic bond between E.T. and Elliot. This shift away from horror not only changed the film’s tone, but also set it apart from other science fiction movies of the time, helping it become the beloved and heartwarming classic it is now.

Spielberg Cut A Harrison Ford Cameo From The Film

Harrison Ford, a frequent partner with director Steven Spielberg and a major movie star, originally filmed a brief appearance in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, but that scene didn’t make it into the finished movie.

It was unexpected that they didn’t mention this, especially considering the recent success of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Ford was actually instrumental in getting the film made – he encouraged his girlfriend at the time, Melissa Mathison, to read the script, and she went on to rewrite it with Spielberg, ultimately saving the project.

Ford made a brief, voice-only appearance as Elliot’s school principal. During a memorable scene, E.T. used his powers to lift Elliot into the air, then gently lower him back down—all while the principal, completely oblivious, continued his lecture.

ET’s Voice Came From A Chain-Smoking Woman

A truly memorable part of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is the alien’s distinctive, scratchy voice. This incredible sound was created by sound designer Ben Burtt, who discovered the perfect voice by chance. He found Pat Welsh, a 67-year-old woman who smoked heavily – two packs of cigarettes a day – and whose voice had just the right quality and tone for E.T.

As a huge movie buff, I recently learned something amazing about E.T.! Apparently, the actress who provided the voice for E.T., a wonderful performer named Welsh, wasn’t even credited for her work – can you believe that? She actually recorded a ton of audio, and the story goes she was paid only $380 for it! But here’s the really cool part: sound designer Ben Burtt, who’s known for this kind of thing, took her voice and lowered the pitch. Then, to make it even more alien, he blended it with sounds of animals breathing! That’s how they created that iconic, unforgettable sound in the movie.

Even though she didn’t receive enough credit for her work, Patricia Welsh’s performance in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has become iconic. She’s known and loved by people of all ages as the perfect voice for the sweet and innocent alien, E.T.

Spielberg Credits His Parents’ Divorce With The Film’s Creation

A key part of what makes E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial so special is Elliot’s family situation, particularly the fact that his father isn’t around. This storyline comes straight from director Steven Spielberg’s own life—his parents’ divorce left him feeling lonely and wanting a strong parental figure, a feeling he powerfully portrays in the film through Elliot’s connection with E.T.

This connection actually started with scripts Steven Spielberg wrote for a project called Night Skies back in the late 1970s. It eventually became the core idea behind E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and contributed to what many call “Spielberg Magic” – that sense of wonder and excitement found not only in his films, but also in the work of other artists and filmmakers he’s influenced.

Ultimately, the consistent emotional heart of the character is what truly makes the film work. It’s what lets the audience connect with and believe in this charming creature, even though it’s just a skillfully made puppet – no more real than iconic movie monsters like Yoda or Godzilla, brought to life through special effects.

Because of this, E.T. is now a hugely memorable character from the 1980s, becoming as well-known as other popular movie creatures of that era, like the Jedi Master from Star Wars and Gizmo from Gremlins.

ET Was Shot In Chronological Order

When Steven Spielberg directed E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, he did something unusual: he filmed most of the movie in the order the story happens. He did this specifically to get real, heartfelt reactions from his young actors during the sad scene where E.T. leaves Earth.

During the filming of the 1982 movie, the young stars, especially Drew Barrymore and Henry Thomas, became very fond of the puppet. Saying goodbye to him at the end of filming was a very emotional experience for them, as they had come to see him as a true friend and companion throughout the entire process.

It’s an understatement to say this emotional approach worked incredibly well. The lines “Be good” and “I’ll be right here” from E.T. are among the most powerfully moving scenes ever filmed. They’re as memorable as the famous line “We’ll always have Paris” from Casablanca, and arguably resonate even more deeply with viewers of all ages and generations.

Spielberg took a big creative risk with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which was particularly daring given his reputation for costly and delayed productions. This gamble paid off, delivering an incredibly moving and genuine finale that resonated with audiences worldwide, cementing both the film and Spielberg’s place in cinematic history as a true masterpiece.

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2026-01-23 18:04