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E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (Universal, 1982), Original Movie Poster Alternate Final Art by John Alvin....
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Description
John Alvin's original unused poster artwork for E.T. the Extraterrestrial, which was rejected due to the appearance of E.T.'s face in the sky.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (Universal, 1982),
Original Movie Poster Alternate Final Art by John Alvin. Very
rarely do films become a part of the cultural fabric, ingrained
into the minds of generations of filmgoers, ultimately transcending
to societal shorthand, but when they do, they are commonly brought
to life through the talents of Steven Spielberg. From Jaws
to Indiana Jones, Close Encounters of the Third Kind
to Jurassic Park, Spielberg has incited fear, excitement,
awe, and adventure for decades. And perhaps no film of his best
distills his themes and gifts quite like 1982's E.T. the
Extra-Terrestrial. Made on the heels of Raiders of the Lost
Ark, E.T. tells the story of a young boy experiencing
the most extraordinary circumstances. Surpassing Star Wars
as the highest-grossing film of all time-a feat next beat by
another Spielberg film, Jurassic Park-E.T. became a
universal phenomenon that children and adults alike flocked to see,
and one of the keys to its success was the undeniably iconic John
Alvin poster. Alvin already had a proven track record of excellent
work dating back to the early 1970s, but this was his first time
designing for Spielberg. Since many aspects of the movie were kept
under strict lock and key, Alvin had little to go on, but after a
studio head suggested a take on Michelangelo's The Creation of
Adam, he set to work. Using his own daughter's hand and
photographs of a prop hand of the titular character, Alvin tapped
directly into the wonderous connection between E.T. and Elliott,
visually bringing to life their emotional connection, and crafting
this masterpiece offered here today. We all recognize the iconic
image of the touching fingers-one human, one alien-set against the
curve of Earth. But before that legendary poster became the face of
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, artist John Alvin created an even more
enchanting vision. His original artwork offered everything that
made the final poster unforgettable-and more. Set beneath a
dazzling star-filled sky, Alvin's full composition included the
gentle face of E.T. himself, ethereal and distant, with a faint
smile that captured the character's warmth and mystery. It was a
masterpiece ready for production. However, Steven Spielberg was
famously secretive about the alien's appearance ahead of the film's
release. Producer Kathleen Kennedy later explained, "He didn't want
anyone to see the character of E.T. or get pictures." For that
reason, Alvin's original artwork was ultimately rejected. Instead,
a simplified version, featuring only the touching fingers above the
Earth, was approved and used. That now-iconic painting, also by
Alvin, sold at Heritage Auctions in 2016 for $394,000. The
alternate, unused painting was quietly stored by Universal Studios
for decades, before being returned to the Alvin family. Today,
after more than 40 years and with E.T.'s appearance long beloved by
audiences worldwide, Alvin's original artwork no longer holds any
secrets, but it does offer fans a rare and breathtaking chance to
own a true piece of cinematic history. What is being offered here
perfectly demonstrates Alvin's ability to transfix generations of
filmgoers, an image that is recognizable to countless fans of
Spielberg's masterpiece. This full-size painting measures 28" x 42"
and is framed to 38" x 52". Mixed media on board with a scratch and
light scuffing in the bottom quarter. Some edge damage has been
framed out of view. Otherwise in excellent condition. Not examined
outside of frame. The poster image is for reference only and is not
included with this lot. Comes with COA from Heritage
Auctions.
Auction Info
2025 July 16 - 18 Hollywood/Entertainment Signature® Auction #7392 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
July, 2025
16th-18th
Wednesday-Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 3
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 992
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% of the successful bid per lot.
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