Spielberg's forgotten E.T. sequel is revealed as canon, sparking debate
A 1985 novel, 'E.T.: The Book of the Green Planet,' penned by William Kotzwinkle, has been confirmed by director Steven Spielberg as technically canon. The book details E.T.'s return to his home planet and subsequent desire to reunite with Elliott via a psychic connection. Its canon status has ignited discussions among fans regarding its place in the film's narrative.
Key points
- A 1985 novel, 'E.T.: The Book of the Green Planet,' written by William Kotzwinkle, is confirmed as canon by director Steven Spielberg.
- The novel follows E.T.'s return to his home planet, Brodo Asogi, after the events of the 1982 film.
- In the book, E.T. is demoted from plant biologist to farmer and uses a psychic connection to spy on Elliott and plan a reunion.
- Spielberg's confirmation of the novel's canon status, despite his personal recollection that Elliott did not see E.T. again, has generated fan discussion.
A long-forgotten novelization by William Kotzwinkle, "E.T.: The Book of the Green Planet," has been officially declared canon for Steven Spielberg's beloved 1982 film "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." This revelation comes despite director Spielberg's own recent statements indicating he did not recall Elliott ever seeing E.T. again, though he acknowledged a psychic connection persisted.
The 1985 book, written by Kotzwinkle who also penned the film's official novelization, picks up immediately after the movie concludes. It chronicles E.T.'s journey back to his home planet, referred to as "The Green Planet." Upon arrival, E.T. faces professional repercussions, losing his prestigious position as a plant biologist and being reassigned to a less significant role as a farmer.
The narrative then focuses on E.T.'s longing for Elliott, whom he contacts through a psychic link. He spends much of the book observing Elliott from afar and devising a plan to commandeer a spaceship to return to Earth and reunite with the boy. Spielberg's acknowledgment of the novel's canonical status has prompted renewed debate among fans about its place within the "E.T." universe and how it fits with their understanding of the story.
Sources
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