‘E.T.’ Film Sculpture—Created Pre-CGI—Could Fetch Millions At Auction

Undoubtedly one of the classics, Steven Spielberg’s 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has remained in pop culture lore, staying relevant despite first hitting the screens 40 years ago. 

Now, the original mechanical model of the extra-terrestrial creature, which predates the use of CGI technology, will go under the hammer at the Icons & Idols: Hollywood auction at Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). 

The impressive figure—often considered an engineering feat—features 85 different points of movement, and took 12 professional animators to operate it during the duration of the shoot, which may explain the jaw-dropping US$3 million estimate attached to it. 

According to The Guardian, the model, which was first created by Italian special effects designer Carlo Rambaldi, played a vital role in the movie’s success. It was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning four of them, including the category for best visual effects. 

As per The Hollywood Reporter, other stand-out lots up for grabs at the auction include three dresses donned by Marilyn Monroe, the Oscar presented to Phantom of the Opera cinematographer W Howard Greene, Robert De Niro’s boxing gloves and shorts from Raging Bull, and the original broom used by Daniel Radcliffe in Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone. 

Icons & Idols: Hollywood will take place from December 17 to December 18 in person at Beverly Hills and online here. 

[via The Guardian and The Hollywood Reporter, cover image via Universal Pictures]