The original body model of the alien E.T. from the iconic 80’s sci-fi film is to go up for auction next month and has been estimated to fetch up to €835,000.
Auction house Sotheby’s has estimated that the 3ft tall model will be sold for a minimum price of $600,000 (€715,000) and a maximum of $900,000 (€835,000).
The model is actually one of three used in Steven Spielberg's 1982 film E.T. The film one four Oscars and was a blockbuster hit earning $800 million at the worldwide box office, and holding the record for the world's highest-grossing film for a decade until another Spielberg film, Jurassic Park, took the title.
It follows the friendship between the young boy Elliot and the alien E.T. Elliot, played by Henry Thomas, goes on an adventure, trying to help the alien get back home, all the while hiding him from Government agents looking to take the alien for themselves.
The model comes from the collection of late Oscar-winning special effects legend Carlo Rambaldi, who also worked on the productions of’ King Kong’, ‘Alien’ and ‘Dune’.
His daughter Daniela Rambaldi said that her family were “honoured to collaborate with Sotheby’s and deeply grateful for this opportunity to bring my father’s work to auction."
"We hope that the artefacts being offered will bring immense joy to those who will cherish them in the years to come, just as they have brought great emotions to my family and shaped the magic of my childhood."
"These iconic pieces hold a special place in our hearts, and it is our sincere wish that they continue to inspire and captivate future generations."
The model will be auctioned off as part of Sotheby’s ‘There Are Such Things: 20th Century Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy on Screen’ which will have numerous film and TV costumes, props and posters on offer.
Sotheby’s vice chairman Cassandra Hatton said of the special effects artist Rambaldi: "His meticulous craftsmanship behind icons such as 'E.T.', the Sandworms of David Lynch’s 'Dune' and 'King Kong', remains a testament to the magic of practical effects."
"This model embodies the artistry of an era before CGI took hold, a nostalgic and iconic piece of Hollywood history as captivating as the stories themselves."
Sotheby’s auction opens for bidding on 21st of March and closes on the 3rd of April.
