Steven Spielberg is never going to make a full sequel to his seminal sci-fi family adventure, E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial. However, SYFY and NBC have just premiered an unofficial sequel of sorts in the form of a four-minute short film. Xfinity’s E.T.: A Holiday Reunion brings the titular alien back to Earth to visit his old friend, Elliot. Henry Thomas even reprises his role as Elliot from the 1982 movie. There’s no sign of Drew Barrymore, who played Elliot’s sister, Gertie, in the film. But Elliot’s daughter definitely resembles Gertie. For that matter, even E.T. is briefly convinced that Elliot’s son is really Elliot.
Make no mistake, this is an ad for Xfinity’s services. But it is also a fairly effective take on an E.T. sequel. After nearly four decades, E.T. is back on Earth to reconnect with one of his closest friends. E.T. also has a few surprises in store for Elliot, because he has a family of his own now.
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According to Deadline, Spielberg signed off on the campaign in part because the theme of “connection” appealed to him. Thomas also appreciated the chance to return without trampling over the legacy of the original film.
“The audience is going to get everything they want out of a sequel without the messy bits that could destroy the beauty of the original and the special place it has in people’s minds and hearts,” said Thomas.
You can watch the full short below. Than share your holiday thoughts in the comment section!
Recommended Reading: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: The Classic Illustrated Storybook
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