E.T. Cast Reunion: Steven Spielberg Helped Bring out the Best in Them | The Drew Barrymore Show

Drew Barrymore sits down with the cast of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Dee Wallace, Robert MacNaughton and Henry Thomas) for a special 40th-anniversary reunion interview. Henry Thomas tells Drew what it was like playing Elliott in the film, and the rest of the cast remembers Steven Spielberg's ability to bring the best out of actors.

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E.T. Cast Says Steven Spielberg Helped Bring out the Best in Them | The Drew Barrymore Show

[FishbowlPhenom]

It seems like Steven Spielberg consciously cultivated a safe, healthy, and positive set for these three to be kids on; the way they still seem to so strongly regard their experience making the movie is a testament to his leadership as a director.

[JennaZouros]

I think it’s adorable that, Drew genuinely believed that ET was real, to her he wasn’t a puppet or a doll, he was very real. I love that she formed a profound connection with him, she wanted to be his friend, she would bring him lunch and make sure he wasn’t cold. I think it’s awesome that the other actors who noticed her talking away to ET went to Steven and he then had two puppeteers keep ET alive for Drew, so when they interacted he would respond to her. I’m glad that they kept ET alive and that they kept the magic alive for Drew rather then quash it. I believe that we should keep magic alive for children

[paratize]

I love how she gets down on her knees she is so obviously excited...just like the 5-year old girl in ET!

[cmel]

Steven Spielberg is a genius director but keeping ET "alive" for Drew off camera. That brought a little tear to my eye. Amazing man

[linnycrocus]

It never occurred to me that little Drew would think ET was real. I don't know why her revealing that hit me so hard. Even in corrupt Hollywood she was still just a kid and had innocence and childlike wonder.

[faithjacqueline]

i love that she doesn’t feel glued to her chair. This is how i talk to people.

[KrystleLovesHorror]

Henry Thomas hit the nail on the head with Drew … every movie I’ve seen with her in, I’m always drawn to her. 😊 Watching her show does the same thing! I love how genuine, kind and funny she is! This made my heart happy to see them all together again. 🥰🤗

[seansyphers]

The fact that they still have a family-like bond after 40 long years is amazing! 😌❤️Spielberg gave us all a timeless treasure of a movie … and for that, I’m so thankful that he did! 🤗

[bloodsling]

Henry Thomas went on to be such an amazing actor in some fantastic films. Glad he avoided the kid actor tropes.

[darrenmiller]

Lovely people. Drew Barrymore is a true national treasure. She is the best thing out of Hollywood in decades. Who has that much fame with such class, grace and humility? What a lovely person, she brings out the best in all of us.

[stephaniehawk]

My E.T. story...my dad took me to see the movie, in the theater, when I was 4. When it got to the scene where E.T. was sick and "dying, " I turned to my dad and said, "Daddy, E.T. is gonna die." MY dad looked at me and said that no he wasn't going to die. I said it again and left repeating it till finally I got up and ran out of the theater. My poor dad never got to see the end of the movie until years later when it came out on VHS.

I love this movie and it's story. It's so sweet and genuine.

[my]

Omg! I have loved this movie since it came out in the theatre. I was about Drew's age when it came out. My dad took me to see it over and over, and I would cry at the sad parts, and in the end when E.T. goes home I would cry so hard My Dad would have to carry me out of the theatre. This movie has always been so special to us. He passed away three weeks ago. I had a necklace made, it's a heart engraved with "Dad" on one side and "I'll be right here " on the other. Thank you. All of you for making this movie way more than just a movie for me. I love you all for that. Much peace and love ❤

[armandoucles]

This is so cool I can't believe E.T. is 40 years old, damn it!!! That means in 2 years I'll be 40. But what I love about this interview is that Dee looks like she's still very maternal to all three of her onscreen kids. It's like watching a real family reunion in this clip. What a perfect Halloween episode.

[anthonybirkholz]

This movie will be forever one of the greatest cinematic masterpieces of all time. I wish I was 12 years old again watching it in theatres and just in awe of watching what will be the most beloved movies in history. I have watched ET at least 30 times or more. It is, for sure, in my top favorite movies of all time, how can it NOT be? And now, my great nephew, who is 7 is loving it and appreciating it. I am so happy that it is STILL, after 40 years, touching people of newer generations as much it touched me when it first appeared in theatres back in 1982.

[NautiusMaximus]

Henry is the best child actor I’ve ever seen

[FeelinErie]

This has always been my favourite film of all time. I ALWAYS cry my heart out at the end.

[anthonybirkholz]

E.T. is such an ICONIC movie. Still one of my all time favorite movies ever. i recommend that EVERYONE watch this movie AGAIN. It is just pure MAGIC.

[heathercarpenter]

Hearing how Drew would go and talk to ET like he was real in between takes is the cutest thing I've ever heard of. And what's even cuter is that Spielberg asked two people to always make ET alive for her. Proof that Drew is the cutest sweetest person on the planet!

[AvisWrentmore]

ET is all magic because of everyone single one of you. But Drew you did steal the show.. We feel in love with you Forever.

[alexanderdumas]

I love how Drew is kneeling before Robert and Henry as she's talking about how little her saw them as family and Dee Wallace just off to the side smiling at her 'kids'.