Steven Spielberg Reflects on the Challenging Battle to Prevent a Sequel to the Sci-Fi Classic E.T.

There was almost a sequel to E.T., but thankfully, Steven Spielberg stood firm to ensure it never happened.

It’s not often that sequels manage to live up to or surpass the original films. Sure, it happens now and again, but those instances are few and far between. Generally, it’s wiser to let a film stand on its own, sparing audiences from disappointment. E.T. is one of those films that seems inconceivable with a follow-up, yet there was a time when higher-ups considered it. Spielberg, speaking during the TCM Classic Film Festival: New York Pop-Up at 92NY, explained, “That was a real hard-fought victory because I didn’t have any rights,” as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Before E.T., I had some rights, but I didn’t have a lot. I basically lacked what’s known as ‘the freeze,’ a provision that allows you to block a studio from making sequels, remakes, or other adaptations of the original IP. After E.T. became a massive success, however, I secured it,” Spielberg recounted, explaining he had no desire to create a sequel.

Spielberg did briefly consider the idea, trying to think up a story. The only concept he entertained was inspired by a book titled “The Green Planet,” which envisioned a visit to E.T.’s home world. The thought was intriguing for a novel, but Spielberg didn’t believe it would translate well into a film.

Had a sequel been made, who knows what cinematic landscape we’d face today? So, let’s appreciate Spielberg’s triumph in this case. Plus, the film certainly filled the studio’s coffers, once holding the title of the highest-grossing movie of all time.