Upcoming Auction at Sotheby’s

The iconic E.T. alien model from the beloved 1982 film is set to hit the auction block at Sotheby’s later this month. Crafted by renowned Italian effects artist Carlo Rambaldi, this original model is part of a larger auction featuring a collection of his works and memorabilia from various classic films.

Details of the E.T. Model

The screen-used E.T. model, which stands slightly over three feet tall, was designed in 1981 and is famously noted for its appearance in the memorable closet scene, where the alien cleverly blends in with stuffed animals. This particular piece is expected to draw significant interest, with estimated bids ranging from $600,000 to $900,000.

Auction Timing and Collection Highlights

The auction is scheduled to commence on March 29 and will conclude on April 3 as part of the “There Are Such Things: 20th Century Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy on Screen” collection. Alongside the E.T. model, other highlights include:

• Sketches for E.T. that have not been publicly displayed before.
• Two sand worm models used in David Lynch’s film adaptation of Dune, expected to fetch between $15,000 and $20,000.
• An animatronic baby dinosaur from the 1993 film Rex: A Dinosaur’s Story.
• Props and designs from films like Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Labyrinth.

A Legacy of E.T.

Despite being released over four decades ago, E.T. continues to be one of Steven Spielberg’s most celebrated films. It was a groundbreaking hit at the box office, earning nearly $800 million globally and holding the title of the highest-grossing film until Jurassic Park surpassed it in 1993.

The film garnered four Academy Awards, including honors for Best Visual Effects and Best Original Score. Spielberg’s inspiration for the film drew notably from personal experiences, particularly his parents’ divorce when he was 20. In reflection, he commented, “A divorce creates great responsibility, especially if you have siblings; we all take care of each other…”