Universal can reboot Steven Spielberg classic without the original director's blessing

It turns out even the film industry’s most legendary names have their weak spots. Here’s a fun bit from a recent Steven Spielberg interview that will probably have anyone over the age of 30 suddenly clutching their childhood DVDs of ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ a bit closer.

'E.T.' on the Reboot Chopping Block – Technically, Anyway

Spielberg’s been on the promotional rounds for his latest, ‘Disclosure Day’, which, by the way, is getting a surprisingly warm critical reception (more on that at the end). While chatting with Josh Horowitz, Spielberg pulled back the curtain on a surprising contractual quirk about his most iconic work.

Here’s the deal: if Universal Pictures wanted to, they could reboot or remake ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ – and Spielberg wouldn’t have any say in the matter. Not for lack of interest, but because, in his own words, back when ‘E.T.’ was made in 1982, he simply "didn’t have the clout." He was still emerging, studio contracts weren’t what they are now, and Universal wound up keeping all the creative keys.

Spielberg put it like this,

"I’m in control of Indiana Jones with George Lucas, and I’m certainly in control of reboots of everything post-E.T. But not E.T., because I didn’t have the clout. If Universal wanted to, they could go ahead and make E.T. without me."

"It shows a lot of respect that they’re not doing that, but they could if they wanted to."

So far, Universal have opted not to test Spielberg’s patience or upset several generations of fans. They keep dangling possible reboots or sequels, but nothing has come close to green lighting. Fair play, really.

What Made 'E.T.' Such a Big Deal?

• Released in 1982, directed by Spielberg, and considered his high point when it comes to alien movies (no, ‘War of the Worlds’ doesn’t count, don’t even start that argument).
• ‘E.T.’ still holds Spielberg’s highest Rotten Tomatoes score—audiences and critics all seem to have wept at the same scenes.
• The film raked in nearly $800 million globally, which is monstrous for a film from that era—popcorn was something like 50p, after all.
• Universal tried to get a sequel off the ground almost immediately. Spielberg entertained the idea, then flat out refused and has shut down continuation talks ever since.
• It picked up nine Oscar nominations and took home four, which still looks impressive in the trophy case.

No ‘Indiana Jones Rule’ for Elliott and Friends

Now, other Spielberg projects are locked down. Indiana Jones, for instance – that’s Spielberg and George Lucas’ domain, and nothing gets through unless they approve it. Anything he’s made post-‘E.T.’ falls under his control too. But with ‘E.T.’, he’s still at the mercy of the studio lawyers from 40-odd years ago. Respect where it’s due, though: Universal haven’t cashed in on our collective nostalgia. Yet.

Side Quest: Spielberg’s James Bond Wish List

On a related note, Spielberg also mentioned he’s long wanted a crack at directing a Bond film. Apparently, he’s been politely (or not so politely) turned down several times. There’s a parallel universe somewhere with ‘Steven Spielberg’s Casino Royale’, and I can’t decide if that’s fascinating or horrifying.

‘Disclosure Day’: New Spielberg, Old Problems

In the meantime, Spielberg’s latest, ‘Disclosure Day’, is in cinemas now and already drawing strong reviews. There’s a catch, though: even with the early praise, the film’s up against the sort of box office headwinds that might make it struggle to break even. Still, critics seem keen, so it’s not all bad news.