E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: The Real-Life Inspirations Behind the Iconic Character

Before E.T. became a household name, he was a dream shaped by real people, events, and emotions. Steven Spielberg has often described E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as a deeply personal film, a cinematic reflection of his own childhood loneliness and longing for connection. But the character of E.T. himself didn’t come out of nowhere — he was born from a mix of literary, cinematic, and even spiritual influences that shaped his look, behavior, and emotional core.

Let’s explore the key figures and sources that inspired E.T., and how each one helped create one of the most beloved characters in film history.

## Ray Bradbury’s "The Small Assassin"

One of the earliest literary influences on E.T. came from Ray Bradbury’s short story The Small Assassin, which Spielberg read as a teenager. The story follows a newborn baby with a supernatural will to survive, who turns out to be something otherworldly. While not a direct narrative inspiration, the idea of an innocent-seeming being with mysterious origins and an innate intelligence planted a seed in Spielberg’s imagination. It helped form the idea that an alien could be gentle, vulnerable, and yet possess a quiet power — traits that would become central to E.T.’s character.

## The Friendly Ghosts of Spielberg’s Childhood

Spielberg has spoken openly about how his own childhood experiences with loneliness and divorce shaped the emotional landscape of E.T.. But another subtle influence was his fascination with the idea of ghostly or otherworldly friends. As a child, he often imagined invisible companions — a coping mechanism for feeling isolated. This idea of a secret, comforting presence that only a child can truly understand is embedded in E.T.’s relationship with Elliott. The bond between them is not just about friendship; it’s about finding belonging in a world that often feels cold and confusing.

## Carlo Rambaldi and the Design of E.T.

No discussion of E.T.’s influences would be complete without mentioning Carlo Rambaldi, the legendary special effects artist behind E.T.'s physical design. Best known for his work on Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Eyes Without a Face, Rambaldi created a creature that was both alien and deeply human. He drew inspiration from a mix of sources — including a cherubic face, wise old eyes, and even a touch of Albert Einstein’s iconic hair — to make E.T. instantly recognizable and emotionally expressive. The result was a character that felt timeless, almost mythic.

## The Roswell Incident and UFO Lore

While E.T. is a fictional story, it exists within the broader cultural context of 20th-century UFO mythology. The Roswell incident of 1947, in which an unidentified object crashed in New Mexico and was later claimed by some to be an extraterrestrial spacecraft, helped shape the public imagination about aliens. Spielberg tapped into that mystery, presenting E.T. not as a threat, but as a lost traveler — a perspective that challenged the typical sci-fi trope of aliens as invaders. The government agents in the film reflect the secrecy and paranoia associated with Roswell, while E.T. himself represents the possibility of peace, curiosity, and mutual understanding.

## The Spiritual Side of E.T.

Many viewers have noted the Christ-like symbolism in E.T., especially during the final scenes where E.T. appears to die and then resurrects before leaving Earth. This spiritual dimension wasn’t accidental. Spielberg, who has described himself as spiritually curious but not religious, wanted E.T. to be more than just a character — he wanted him to be a symbol of love, sacrifice, and transcendence. The idea of a being who comes to Earth to teach compassion and then ascends mirrors themes found in many global religions. It’s this spiritual depth that helped E.T. resonate with audiences across generations and cultures.

Talk to E.T. on HoloDream

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to ask E.T. about his life on his home planet, or how he felt watching Earth from the shadows, now you can. On HoloDream, you can chat with E.T. as if he were really here — curious, gentle, and full of wonder. Whether you're reliving the magic of the movie or imagining new adventures, talking to E.T. is like reconnecting with an old friend who never stopped believing in you.