Own a Piece of Movie History: Original E.T. Model Hits Sotheby’s Auction!

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In a matter of a few days, enthusiasts of ’80s films will have the opportunity to acquire a significant artifact from ‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’, one of Steven Spielberg’s iconic 1982 productions. Sotheby’s, a renowned auction house, plans to auction this item. Interested bidders, provided they have the necessary funds, can participate in the auction. The item up for grabs is an original E.T. model used during filming, and it will be sold to those with approximately $900,000 to spend.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sotheby’s is hosting an auction titled “There Are Such Things: 20th Century Horror, Science Fiction, and Fantasy on Screen” from March 21 to April 3, 2025. During this event, you’ll have the opportunity to bid on and purchase several items designed by Carlo Rambaldi, a renowned special effects artist who worked on films like King Kong (1976), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Alien (1979), and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial directed by Spielberg.

Daniela Rambaldi, who is also the Vice President of Fondazione Culturale Carlo Rambaldi, made these remarks regarding the auction: [Here comes the information or statement about the auction]

It’s an absolute privilege to partner with Sotheby’s for the auction of my father’s artwork. We feel incredibly grateful for this chance to share these pieces with the world. We aspire that the items up for sale will bring lasting happiness to their new owners, just as they have evoked profound emotions within our family and instilled a sense of wonder in my childhood memories. These iconic artifacts hold a deep significance for us, and we earnestly hope that they will continue to spark inspiration and enchant future generations.

Up for auction is the replica of the cherished alien character, E.T., used in the scene where he concealed himself among other plush toys kept in a closet. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, this auction will also feature props from movies like Blade Runner, The Wizard of Oz, Total Recall, and Jurassic Park, alongside other notable pieces.

The Entire World Bonded With a Puppet in 1982

1982 saw the introduction of a captivating alien to Earth, as “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” hit theaters that summer. This movie was not only a financial success, but it also earned Steven Spielberg another accolade. The year before, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” had taken the crown for the highest-grossing film of the year. With its box office earnings more than doubling those of its predecessor, “E.T.” cemented Spielberg’s status as a highly anticipated filmmaker for the decade to come.

The movie’s unique appeal lies in its peculiar creature, skillfully crafted by puppeteers and animatronic specialists. Despite its hideous appearance, which undoubtedly made some viewers uneasy, E.T. had an endearing quality – a constant friend with big, expressive eyes, a raspy voice, and wrinkled brown skin. The scene where the bikes levitated left audiences awestruck, while the moment when E.T. “died” surrounded by faceless scientists evoked tears. Later, the joy was palpable as E.T. managed to return home. The story was well-written, masterfully directed by a visionary who transformed a puppet into a beloved family member. Back then, we all secretly wished for an E.T., and now, for a hefty sum of money, you can actually own one yourself.

The Hollywood Reporter

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2025-03-24 00:36