Out of This World: E.T. Model Expected to Fetch $900,000
- Original animatronic model of iconic alien from ‘E.T.’ film is for sale at Sotheby’s
- Model created by Carlo Rambaldi and used in the "closet scene"
- Model stands three feet tall and has 150 different movements
- Starting bid is $500,000 with estimated price of $600,000 to $900,000
- Model is from Rambaldi’s personal collection and includes other objects from his collection at auction
An original animatronic model of the iconic alien created for Steven Spielberg’s classic 1982 film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” is up for auction at Sotheby’s in New York with an estimated price of up to $900,000. The model, created by Oscar-winning special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi, is one of three used in the film and is specifically the one featured in the “closet scene” when E.T. is hiding among loads of stuffed animals.
Standing at three feet tall, the model is from Rambaldi’s personal collection. Rambaldi, who passed away in 2012, was an animatronics pioneer known for his work on various blockbuster sci-fi films, including Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” Ridley Scott’s “Alien,” and John Guillermin’s “King Kong.”
The auction, which started with a bid of $500,000, is set to close on April 3. Sotheby’s vice president, Cassandra Hatton, described the model as embodying the artistry of an era before CGI took over, making it a nostalgic and iconic piece of Hollywood history.
The E.T. model, capable of performing 150 different movements such as frowning or stretching its neck, is a testament to Rambaldi’s exceptional talent in creating lifelike animatronic characters. Along with the E.T. model, the auction also includes other objects from Rambaldi’s collection, such as two model sandworms used in David Lynch’s “Dune.”
The estimated price range for the E.T. model is between $600,000 to $900,000, reflecting its significance as a rare and valuable piece of cinematic memorabilia. Its presence in the auction serves as a reminder of the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating iconic characters before the widespread use of CGI in filmmaking.
Fans and collectors alike are expected to show great interest in the auction, given the enduring popularity of “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and the unique opportunity to own a piece of movie history. The E.T. model’s inclusion in the auction highlights the continued fascination with the film and its beloved characters, making it a highly sought-after item for those looking to own a piece of cinematic nostalgia.
As the auction proceeds, it is anticipated that the E.T. model will attract significant attention from bidders hoping to add this rare and iconic piece to their collections. With its rich history and connection to a beloved film, the E.T. model is poised to fetch a substantial sum, reflecting its enduring appeal and significance in the world of cinema.
/Digital Sauce
