Editor’s Note
The original E.T. puppet from the 1982 film has sold at auction for $2.56 million.
The original model from the 1982 film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” has been sold for a substantial sum, changing ownership. The iconic film prop was part of an auction held by “Julien’s Auctions”.
The figure, which was used during filming with the actors, was estimated by the California-based auction house to be worth between two and four million dollars. According to US media reports, the auction opened at $500,000. The buyer’s name is not known.
The “unique” model, built in 1981 by designer Carlo Rambaldi (1925-2012), “predates modern CGI technology and effects,” features 85 points of articulation, and “is considered a technical masterpiece,” according to the description from “Julien’s Auctions”.
The film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” directed by Steven Spielberg (76) and starring Henry Thomas (51) and Drew Barrymore (47), was released in 1982. It tells the story of an alien who befriends a young boy after becoming stranded on Earth. The film became a major success and is now considered a classic.
