ET, Spielberg’s 1982 mechanical alien, is expected to fetch about $3m.
Steven Spielberg’s classic 1982 film ET told the story of a stranded extraterrestrial’s attempt to return home – and now for just $3m (£2.6m) you could bring him back to yours.
The original mechanical model from ET is going on sale as part of the Icons and Idols: Hollywood auction, organised by Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies (TCM), which coincides with the film’s 40th anniversary year.
Predating CGI technology, the mechatronic features 85 points of movement and was operated by 12 professional animators.
Regarded as an engineering masterpiece, it was originally created by Carlo Rambaldi, an Italian special effects designer, and is expected to reach $3m at the sale.
The film ET the ExtraTerrestrial was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning four, including best visual effects.
The film ET the Extra-Terrestrial was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning four, including that for best visual effects, which was awarded to Rambaldi and his team.
Starring Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore, and featuring a soaring score by the composer John Williams, the film is much loved by adults and children alike.
Other items from the film that will go up for sale at the auction include the original ET maquette model made for Spielberg to approve the ET design, an item that is estimated at between $80,000 and $100,000.
And a series of original ET blueprint mechanical illustrations are estimated at between $10,000 and $20,000 each.
The auction also includes items from the Harry Potter franchise, including a selection of prop broomsticks belonging to the actor Daniel Radcliffe, are also expected to fetch hundreds of thousands.
The models include an original Nimbus 2000 broom from Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, which could fetch $100,000 , and a Shooting Star prop broom, which is estimated at between $30,000 and $50,000.
An original Gryffindor wool overcoat, and red and yellow Gryffindor scarf, designed for Harry Potter, is being priced at between $20,000 and $30,000.
A Gryffindor Quidditch team stunt robe from the film Harry Potter And The Chamber of Secrets could fetch $20,000.
The Icons and Idols: Hollywood auction, in Beverly Hills, and online at JuliensLive.com, is set to take place on 17-18 December.
