A Potential Sequel: E.T. Returns

It’s been over forty years since a little alien with a glowing finger captured our hearts, and yet, the magic of E.T. endures. It’s a timeless tale of friendship, wonder, and the pain of saying goodbye. But what if that goodbye wasn’t forever? What if, in the world of countless reboots, remakes, and long awaited sequels, a story was made that could recapture the original’s magic while offering something new?

For years, the idea of an E.T. sequel has been a discussion topic among fans, and while Spielberg himself has strongly resisted the idea, I can’t help but imagine the possibilities.

So, what would my dream E.T. sequel look like?

A Deeper View of E.T.’s World

The original film masterfully focused on the connection between Elliott and E.T. My idea for a sequel would broaden that scope. Imagine a now-adult Elliott, perhaps a scientist or astronomer, still gazing at the stars, forever changed by his childhood encounter. One day, a signal comes – not just E.T.’s ship, but a more significant presence.

This time, E.T. wouldn’t be alone. We’d get to see more of his species, even if just a glimpse. What does their society look like?

The Power of Connection: New Generations, New Discoveries

Of course, the heart of E.T. is always connection. I envision Elliott having a child, perhaps a curious and open-minded youngster who, through their parent’s stories, is primed for the extraordinary. This new generation could rekindle the wonder for a world that has become a little too cynical.

Maintaining the Wonder, Avoiding the Pitfalls

Importantly this would not be a cash grab, and would only be created with the right story, cast, and crew. One pitfall of any long awaited sequel is catering to much to nostalgia. While a few callbacks and references would be good, the sequel should not be a retread of the original and bring new things to the table.

While it is a pipe dream, it is still fun to think about. But if it were to come true, it would be truly incredible.

What are your thoughts on an E.T. sequel? Share your ideas in the comments below!