What's Happening?
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Steven Spielberg was developing an alien horror film titled 'Night Skies,' which ultimately transformed into the family-friendly mega-hit 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.' According to movie journalist and author Max Evry,
whose book 'Stranded on Earth: How Night Skies Became E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial' details this evolution, 'Night Skies' was conceived as a horror movie about mischievous aliens terrorizing a rural family. The project involved a 'dream team' including Spielberg as producer, John Sayles scripting, Ron Cobb slated to direct, and Rick Baker designing the aliens. However, following the challenging production of Spielberg's 1979 film '1941,' studios were hesitant to fully fund his next project. This led to a creative shift, blending elements from 'Night Skies' with another script called 'After School,' resulting in 'E.T.' Additionally, elements from 'Night Skies' also influenced other films like 'Poltergeist' and 'Gremlins,' with shared themes and even specific lines of dialogue.
Why It's Important?
This behind-the-scenes look at the genesis of 'E.T.' highlights the fluid and often unpredictable nature of film development in Hollywood. It demonstrates how initial concepts can undergo significant transformations, leading to entirely different, yet equally iconic, cinematic works. The story of 'Night Skies' underscores Steven Spielberg's creative adaptability and his ability to pivot from a horror concept to a heartwarming family narrative, showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker. The influence of 'Night Skies' on 'Poltergeist' and 'Gremlins' also reveals the interconnectedness of creative projects within the industry, where ideas can cross-pollinate and inspire multiple successful films. For film enthusiasts and aspiring creators, this narrative provides valuable insight into the iterative process of filmmaking and the impact of production challenges on artistic outcomes.
What's Next?
While 'Night Skies' itself was never produced, its legacy continues to be explored through works like Max Evry's book, offering new perspectives on Spielberg's creative process and the evolution of his iconic films. The detailed account of the project's transformation and its influence on other movies will likely continue to be a subject of discussion among film historians and fans. This historical analysis could also inspire future filmmakers to consider how initial concepts can be reinterpreted and adapted to overcome production hurdles or align with changing creative visions. The story serves as a testament to the enduring power of original ideas, even when they manifest in unexpected forms, and reinforces the importance of understanding the developmental stages of beloved cinematic works.
Beyond the Headlines
The narrative of 'Night Skies' evolving into 'E.T.' delves into the deeper implications of creative resilience and the impact of external pressures on artistic output. The initial studio skepticism following '1941' illustrates how a director's reputation and past performance can influence future project funding, even for a visionary like Spielberg. Furthermore, the story highlights the often-unseen struggles and compromises that occur during film production, revealing that even the most celebrated films have complex and sometimes challenging origins. The transformation from a horror concept to a family-friendly classic also speaks to the cultural appetite for different genres and how filmmakers adapt to audience expectations and industry trends. It underscores the idea that creative 'failures' or unproduced projects can still be incredibly fertile ground for future successes, shaping the landscape of cinema in profound ways.
