Rare E.T. Model from Spielberg’s Classic Up for Auction at Sotheby’s

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A beloved piece of film history will soon be hitting the auction block courtesy of Sotheby’s.

It’s been confirmed that a genuine prop model of E.T., used in the 1982 science fiction film “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,” directed by Steven Spielberg, will be put up for auction, along with various items associated with the man who brought E.T. to life on screen, Carlo Rambaldi.

This remarkable model I’m admiring is a treasured piece from the private collection of an Academy Award-winning artist, renowned for his special effects and makeup work on iconic films such as “King Kong,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Alien,” “The NeverEnding Story,” “Conan the Destroyer” and “Dune.” Created and crafted in 1981, this E.T. figure stands slightly over three feet tall. It was used in the famous closet scene where the alien tries to blend in with a group of plush toys. I’m truly awestruck by its history and craftsmanship!

The E.T. replica is set to be auctioned off, with a projected price between $600,000 and $900,000, under the lot “There Are Such Things: 20th Century Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy on Screen.” Bidding will commence on March 21st and conclude on April 3rd. Alongside the E.T. model, other pieces from Rambaldi’s collection are up for grabs, such as unseen E.T. sketches, a detailed study of one of E.T.’s eyes in animatronic form, two sand worm models used in Dune (estimated at $15,000-$20,000), a dinosaur egg and baby dinosaur animatronic from the 1993 film Rex: A Dinosaur’s Story (estimated at $8,000-$12,000). Additionally, items related to Blade Runner, Total Recall, Dune, Labyrinth, The Wizard of Oz, and Spielberg’s Jurassic Park franchise will be part of the collection.

Daniela Rambaldi, vice president of Fondazione Culturale Carlo Rambaldi, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the chance to partner with Sotheby’s in auctioning off her father’s artwork. She wishes that the items up for sale will bring lasting happiness to their new owners, as they have evoked deep emotions within her family and contributed significantly to her cherished childhood memories. The iconic pieces carry a special significance for us, and we hope they will continue to stir inspiration and fascination in future generations.

Cassandra Hatton, vice chairman of science and natural history at Sotheby’s, stated, ‘Carlo Rambaldi’s genius revolutionized animatronics and special effects in movie making, giving life to some of cinema’s most indelible creatures. His painstaking attention to detail on iconic creations like E.T., the sandworms from David Lynch’s Dune, and King Kong, serves as a reminder of the enchantment of practical effects. This model represents the artistry of an era preceding CGI, a sentimental and iconic artifact of Hollywood history that is as compelling as the tales themselves.’

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2025-03-19 18:24