The original model of E.T., the alien from the E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial film by Steven Spielberg, did not sell at an auction at Sotheby's New York, according to a report by Agence France-Presse.
This model was created by Italian special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi, and was expected to sell for $600,000 to $900,000 (approximately ₱34.2M–₱51.3M). Rambaldi was an Oscar-winning artist and passed away in 2012 at the age of 86.
Said Cassandra Hatton, vice chair of Sotheby's, "Even though no one bought it at the auction today, it's still a big part of film history." It is said to be one of three models used in the 1982 film.
According to Hatton, the model is a symbol of the era before CGI was popular, making it very special and nostalgic for fans of classic Hollywood.
Although the E.T. model did not sell, a E.T. sketch by Rambaldi sold for over $53,000 (₱3M). In 2022, a metal E.T. robot also used in the film sold at auction for $2.56 million.
