E.T. Romance?! Deleted Scene REVEALED! 💔👽

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In the years following its initial release, fresh insights have emerged about a discarded romantic aspect in Steven Spielberg‘s cherished film, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Actress Dee Wallace, who portrayed Mary, disclosed that an original plot featuring a romantic connection between her character and E.T. was intended for the movie. In a recent interview on the Still Here Hollywood podcast, Wallace discussed a “love crush” scenario initially envisioned for Mary and E.T., hinting that remnants of this storyline may be present in the final version. Furthermore, Wallace recalled a contentious moment with director Spielberg over the staging of a scene depicting E.T.’s visit to Mary’s bedside, ultimately persuading him to alter the scene to maintain the film’s original innocence and child-friendly tone.

As a die-hard movie fan, I was taken aback when I learned that there might have been a hidden romantic subplot between E.T. and Mary in the classic film ‘E.T.’ Apparently, it was hinted that E.T. had feelings for Mary beyond friendship. These subtle signs were woven into the movie, but many of us who watched the film as kids didn’t pick up on them. This revelation certainly adds a whole new layer to the beloved 1982 movie, making me look at certain interactions between E.T., Mary, Elliott, Gertie, and Michael in a completely different light.

In discussing a particular scene for the subplot, Wallace explained that in this scene, he placed Reese’s Pieces on her bedside table while she was asleep. She mentioned that Spielberg wanted the sheet to be pulled back lower than what made her comfortable. The actress felt strongly about preserving a specific tone for the movie and voiced her concerns. She argued that since E.T. was a family film, it should maintain a very pure and wholesome feel. To resolve the disagreement, she consulted writer Melissa Mathison and producer Kathleen Kennedy. Ultimately, they found a compromise where the sheet was raised almost to her shoulder blades, which she agreed to.

E.T. Would Be Quite Different With a Romance Subplot

E.T., the Alien gained its legendary status as a symbol of childlike wonder and emotional bonding, largely free from complex adult themes. The movie swiftly became a timeless classic in cinema history, presenting a deeply moving depiction of friendship, loneliness, non-verbal communication, and the enchantment of childhood exploration. The relationship between Elliott and the stranded alien serves as the emotional heart of the film, mirrored by Gertie’s innocent understanding and Michael’s initial skepticism transforming into trust. In the theater release of E.T., Mary’s story is predominantly portrayed as that of a woman dealing with her children’s emotional needs while gradually developing feelings for the extraordinary creature hidden in her house. Her bond with E.T. in the final film is primarily characterized by maternal concern and a sense of awe.

Dee Wallace’s convincing point during production ensured that E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial stayed true to its heartwarming essence, especially in the bedside scene. By avoiding any romantic or awkward implications between Mary and E.T., Steven Spielberg, Melissa Mathison, Kathleen Kennedy, and Dee Wallace collaboratively kept the story focused on innocence and family love. A romantic angle could have changed the emotional impact significantly, possibly making the story more complex and diverting attention from Elliott’s crucial bond with E.T. Leaving out the romance plot likely expanded the film’s appeal, transforming it into a timeless tale that resonates with people of all ages, revolving around themes like understanding, acceptance, and the bittersweet feeling of parting ways with a cherished friend.

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2025-05-05 13:12