E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Release: June 11, 1982

Budget: $10,500,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross: $ 792,900,000

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is the emotional story of a harmless and gentle alien who gets left on Earth when his crew, who were investigating the planet, are disturbed and have to leave quickly. ET is discovered by a boy, Elliot, and the two become friends while Elliot tries to help him find his way back home.

A timeless film that the whole family will enjoy watching together. Parents, you will feel nostalgic.
Spielberg at his best.

Casting

Elliot (Henry Thomas) the 10 year-old boy that meets and befriends the alien.

Gertie (Drew Barrymore), Elliot’s younger sister, who helps him keep his secret.

Mary (Dee Wallace), Elliot and Gertie’s mother. Mary is a single mother and is going through a difficult time.

Michael (Robert MacNaughton) Elliot’s older brother.

Keys (Peter Coyote) a government agent who wants to catch E.T.

Awards & Nominations

Academy Awards, USA 1983 - Oscar

  • Robert Knudson
  • Robert Glass
  • Don Digirolamo
  • Gene S. Cantamessa
  • Carlo Rambaldi
  • Dennis Muren
  • Kenneth Smith
  • Charles L. Campbell
  • Ben Burtt
  • Steven Spielberg
  • Kathleen Kennedy
  • Steven Spielberg
  • Melissa Mathison
  • Allen Daviau
  • Best Film Editing
  • Carol Littleton

Golden Globes, USA 1983

  • John Williams
  • Steven Spielberg
  • Henry Thomas
  • Melissa Mathison

BAFTA Film Awards 1983

  • John Williams
  • Allen Daviau
  • Steven Spielberg
  • Steven Spielberg
  • Kathleen Kennedy
  • Carol Littleton
  • Robert Sidell
  • Drew Barrymore
  • Henry Thomas
  • Jim Bissell
  • Melissa Mathison
  • Charles L. Campbell
  • Gene S. Cantamessa
  • Robert Knudson
  • Robert Glass
  • Don Digirolamo
  • Dennis Muren
  • Carlo Rambaldi

I want to know:

Why was Peter Coyote cast as Keys?

Peter Coyote auditioned for the role of Indiana Jones in 1980. During his audition he tripped over the wiring of the lights that were set up in the room, losing him the necessary tough guy impression. But Spielberg thought he’d be perfect when it was time to cast Keys—an adult with childlike wonderment.