E.t. returns: lego brings spielberg’s classic to life for $140
The phone has been answered. LEGO is unleashing a meticulously detailed 1,226-piece model of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, complete with movable limbs and a heart that glows with an internal red light – a surprisingly poignant touch for a plastic replica of a cultural icon.
A quarter-scale encounter
Launching August 1st, the set – priced at a hefty $139.99 / £119.99 – isn’t just another nostalgic LEGO offering. It’s a surprisingly accurate quarter-scale representation of the beloved alien, measuring approximately 24cm tall, 21cm wide and 15cm deep. This level of detail reflects a genuine appreciation for the film’s enduring legacy, and a clear understanding of the character’s iconic pose – the desperate, yearning ‘phone home’ gesture.
Fan-driven nostalgia
This particular build isn’t emerging from the LEGO Ideas platform out of nowhere. It’s a testament to the community’s passionate desire to revisit Spielberg’s masterpiece. LEGO Ideas, you’ll recall, thrives on fan submissions, carefully vetted and then brought to life by the LEGO design team. Interestingly, E.T. previously appeared as a minifigure in LEGO Dimensions, a somewhat tangential but nonetheless noteworthy connection to the character’s wider LEGO presence.
A flash of light, a touch of heart
Beyond the poseable head and hands, the set includes a buildable sunflower pot, a clever nod to E.T.’s solitary existence. And, perhaps most captivatingly, a light-brick embedded in his chest, illuminating his heart with a warm, inviting red glow. Sadly, no upgrade for the little guy’s fingers – a minor, but noticeable, limitation. But considering the overall scale and detail, it’s a forgivable omission.
A spielberg legacy
The original 1982 film, directed by Stephen Spielberg and starring Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore, remains a cultural touchstone. Subsequent attempts at sequels were met with lukewarm enthusiasm, but the enduring appeal of E.T. continues to resonate. The recent ‘A Holiday Reunion’ short film, starring Thomas and the original E.T. puppet, demonstrated a clear desire to reconnect with this beloved character. Now, LEGO is offering a chance to bring E.T. back into our homes, one meticulously crafted brick at a time.