Steven Spielberg has finally revealed what happened between Elliott and E.T. after their emotional farewell in the 1982 classic, ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial‘. While many fans hoped the pair might have crossed paths again, the filmmaker confirmed that they never physically reunited after E.T. returned to his home planet.
However, Spielberg believes their connection never truly disappeared. Reflecting on the bond between the boy and the alien, he explained that Elliott continued to dream about E.T. and kept their relationship alive through a psychic link.
Steven Spielberg Explains The Lasting Bond Between Elliott And E.T.
Spielberg shared the revelation during an appearance on Josh Horowitz’s ‘Happy, Sad, Confused‘ podcast while promoting his new film, ‘Disclosure Day‘. During the conversation, he was asked about the ending of ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial‘ and whether Elliott and E.T. ever met again after the alien left Earth.
The director made it clear that the pair never reunited in person. Instead, he said their relationship continued through a psychic connection that began during the events of the film. According to Spielberg, Elliott carried that bond with him long after E.T.’s departure.
Recalling one of the movie’s most memorable moments, Spielberg said, “Never saw him again. But he did dream about him. So there was the psychic link between the two of them. If you notice that ET touched Elliott right here (pointed to his forehead) and said, ‘I’ll be right here.’ That was for the rest of Elliot’s life.”
Even though Spielberg confirmed that Elliott and E.T. never met again in the story, audiences still got a glimpse of a reunion. In 2019, the beloved characters returned in an Xfinity commercial that imagined what might happen if E.T. came back to visit his old friend.
The advertisement showed E.T. arriving on Earth nearly 37 years after the original film. Elliott had grown up, started a family, and introduced his children to the alien who once changed his life. The reunion was not part of an official sequel, but it delighted fans who had long wondered what a return visit might look like.
The commercial premiered during NBC’s broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It quickly became a nostalgic moment for viewers who grew up with the original movie.
In case you missed it: “I Felt Helpless”: Steven Spielberg Was Concerned About Drew Barrymore Spiraling At A Very Tender Age During ‘E.T.’
Spielberg Returns To Alien Stories With ‘Disclosure Day’
Spielberg’s comments come as he returns to familiar sci-fi territory with ‘Disclosure Day‘, his latest project. The 2026 thriller, written by David Koepp, explores another extraterrestrial mystery.
The film is about a meteorologist and a cybersecurity expert who become caught up in a mission to expose a government cover-up involving extraterrestrial secrets. As they dig deeper into the mystery, they uncover information that powerful forces want to keep hidden.
Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor lead the cast. The film also stars Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo, Wyatt Russell, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Elizabeth Marvel, Hettienne Park, and Gabby Beans, among others.
While ‘Disclosure Day’ introduces a brand-new alien story, Spielberg’s latest comments about E.T. have reminded fans why Elliott’s friendship with his extraterrestrial companion remains one of the most cherished relationships in movie history.
You might also like to read: What Is The Only Thing Steven Spielberg Regrets Changing About His “Perfect” Film ‘E.T.’?
