ET model from 1982 film expected to fetch $3m at auction
Steven Spielberg’s classic 1982 film ET told the story of a stranded extra-terrestrial’s bid to return home – and now for just $3m (£2.6m) you could bring him back to yours.
The original mechanical model from ET is going on sale as part of the Icons and Idols: Hollywood auction, organised by Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), which coincides with the film’s 40th anniversary year.
Predating CGI technology, the mechatronic features 85 points of movement and was operated by 12 professional animators.
Regarded as an engineering masterpiece, it was originally created by Italian special effects designer Carlo Rambaldi and is expected to reach $3m at the sale.
ET the Extra-Terrestrial was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning four including best visual effects, which was awarded to Rambaldi and his team.
Starring Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore, and featuring a soaring score by composer John Williams, the film is much loved by adults and children alike.
Other items from the film that will go up for sale at the auction include the original ET maquette model made for Spielberg to approve the ET design, which is estimated at between $80,000 and $100,000.
A series of original ET blueprint mechanical illustrations are also estimated at between $10,000 and $20,000 each.
Elsewhere, items from the Harry Potter franchise are also expected to fetch hundreds of thousands, including a selection of prop broomsticks belonging to Daniel Radcliffe.
The models include the original Nimbus 2000 from Harry Potter And the Philosopher’s Stone, which could go for up to $100,000 , and a Shooting Star prop broom, which is estimated at between $30,000 and $50,000.
An original Gryffindor wool overcoat and red and yellow Gryffindor scarf designed for Harry Potter is priced at between $20,000 and $30,000.
A Gryffindor Quidditch team stunt robe from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets may fetch up to $20,000.
The Icons and Idols: Hollywood auction is due to take place live on Saturday 17 December and Sunday 18 December in Beverly Hills.