The 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial holds a special place in the hearts of many, and Drew Barrymore, who played the adorable Gertie at just 7 years old, recently shared some heartfelt memories about her time on set. In an emotional episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, she reunited with her former co-stars Henry Thomas and Dee Wallace, reflecting on the making of the iconic film and the enduring impact it has had on their lives.
Drew Barrymore’s Belief in E.T. as a Real Creature
While filming E.T., Drew Barrymore, then a young child, believed that her alien co-star was not just a puppet but a real-life being. In a recent conversation with her co-stars, Barrymore shared how deeply she loved E.T. and how she would talk to the animatronic puppet as if it were alive. “I really loved him in such a profound way,” Barrymore admitted, adding that she would even bring lunch for the alien to make sure he was taken care of. This deep connection, although stemming from her innocence as a child, highlights just how powerful the film’s portrayal of friendship was.
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Experience the unforgettable moment when Michael meets E.T. for the first time – watch the scene that defines a timeless connection!
Behind the Scenes: A Tender Relationship Between Barrymore and E.T.
Henry Thomas, who played Barrymore’s older brother Elliot in the film, recalls how Barrymore’s dedication to E.T. went beyond the screen. One of the most memorable moments, according to Thomas, was when Barrymore asked the wardrobe department if she could bring a scarf for E.T. to keep him warm. This adorable gesture shows just how much she cared for the character, blending her youthful imagination with her role as an actress.
Dee Wallace, who portrayed the family matriarch, also reflected on Barrymore’s deep affection for E.T. She shared a touching story about catching Barrymore talking to the puppet, and how Spielberg decided to assign two crew members to ensure E.T. responded to Barrymore whenever she approached him. This special effort ensured that her emotional bond with the alien felt genuine on screen, as if E.T. was truly alive and able to interact with her.
The Possibility of an E.T. Sequel: A Delicate Topic
As the reunion continued, the cast discussed the possibility of an E.T. sequel. While the idea of revisiting the beloved alien world is tempting for many, Thomas expressed the difficulty of imagining a sequel without the presence of Melissa Mathison, who wrote the original screenplay and passed away in 2015. Mathison’s influence was critical to the heart of the story, and both Thomas and Wallace agreed that the magic of E.T. should be preserved as a classic.
Barrymore chimed in with her own memories of Steven Spielberg’s stance on the matter. Spielberg, she recalled, had made it clear that he would “never” create a sequel to E.T.. Despite feeling a bit disappointed at the time, Barrymore came to understand Spielberg’s decision, respecting his desire to preserve the film’s integrity and the purity of the original story.
Full Circle: The 40th Anniversary and Barrymore’s Children
The 40th anniversary of E.T. was especially meaningful for Barrymore, as it coincided with a significant milestone in her own life—her children are now around the same age she was when the film was first released. This incredible parallel between her own childhood and that of her daughters brought a wave of emotion. Barrymore shared that Spielberg had pointed out the serendipity of the moment, as her daughter Frankie was now 7 years old, the same age Barrymore was when she filmed E.T.. It was a reminder of how timeless the story of E.T. is and how it continues to resonate across generations.
“I’m like, ‘Okay. You’re right. We can’t. You’re right,’” Barrymore said, recalling how Spielberg reminded her of this emotional full-circle moment. Her children, now immersed in the world of E.T., also share her love for the film and Spielberg, adding another layer of personal connection to the iconic movie.
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Relive the emotional final scene of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial with the iconic line, ‘I’ll be right here’ – watch this unforgettable moment that tugs at the heartstrings!
The Lasting Legacy of E.T. and Barrymore’s Personal Connection
For Drew Barrymore, E.T. is more than just a movie—it is a cherished memory that has shaped her life in ways both big and small. The experience of working on the film, forming a connection with E.T., and now sharing the legacy of E.T. with her own children is an emotional journey. As time passes, the movie’s impact remains as profound as ever, and Barrymore continues to carry its magic with her in her personal and professional life.
Through these heartwarming reflections, Drew Barrymore reminds us that E.T. is not just a cinematic masterpiece, but a deeply personal experience for those who helped bring it to life. From childhood memories to the present day, the story of E.T. is one that transcends time, touching the hearts of both its cast and its audience in ways that will never fade.
