One of the most iconic props from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is going up for auction—giving fans of the classic 1982 Spielberg film a rare shot at owning a piece of movie history.
This three-foot-tall E.T. body model, created by legendary Italian special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi, is the same one used in the unforgettable scene where E.T. hides among stuffed animals in Elliott’s closet. Crafted with an aluminum frame, latex, foam, and paint, the model still shows signs of production use and age—adding to its authenticity and value.
The prop is expected to sell for up to $900,000 as part of Sotheby’s “There Are Such Things” auction, featuring iconic horror, sci-fi, and fantasy film memorabilia.
Rambaldi, who also worked on Alien, King Kong, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, passed away in 2012. His family is now parting with this E.T. model, along with sketches, animatronic pieces, and other original creations from his career.
“This is more than a movie prop,” says Sotheby’s Cassandra Hatton. “It’s a symbol of a pre-CGI era, crafted with meticulous artistry.”
Rambaldi’s daughter, Daniela, says her father’s work shaped her childhood and hopes these pieces will inspire new generations of fans.
E.T.’s look was inspired by legends like Einstein and Hemingway—and even Rambaldi’s Himalayan cat. Spielberg once told Rambaldi he wanted the alien’s eyes to reflect “wisdom and sadness,” and Rambaldi delivered.
With four Academy Awards and record-breaking box office success, E.T. became a cultural phenomenon. Now, thanks to this rare auction, fans can own a real piece of that magic.
