E.t. returns: lego unveils $140 reimagining of iconic alien
The night sky just got a little more crowded. LEGO is dropping a 1,226-piece set on August 1st, bringing the lovable extraterrestrial, E.T., back to life in miniature form. Prepare to spend around $140 – or £119 – on a buildable version of the 80s phenomenon.
A quarter-scale encounter
This isn’t just another LEGO figure; it's a meticulously detailed recreation of E.T., scaled down to approximately a quarter of his original size – roughly one meter tall. LEGO’s engineers have clearly put considerable thought into capturing the essence of the character, from his iconic wide eyes to his perpetually yearning expression.
Glowing heart, sunflower surprise
The set includes a buildable pot plant brimming with sunflowers, a nod to E.T.’s desperate plea to ‘phone home.’ But the real showstopper is the light-up brick embedded in his chest. It’s a subtle, yet effective, touch that illuminates his heart in a warm, pulsating red – though sadly, you won’t be able to light up his fingers.
Lego ideas roots
This particular build isn't a random release; it's a LEGO Ideas project, born from fan submissions. It’s a testament to the community’s enduring passion for this film. Interestingly, E.T. already graced the LEGO Dimension world, a testament to the enduring appeal of the character – a fact likely lost on many who first encountered him on the big screen in 1982, starring Henry Thomas and directed by the incomparable Stephen Spielberg. The sequel chatter died down years ago, though a recent Christmas short film, ‘A Holiday Reunion,’ reunited Thomas with his puppet, albeit for a decidedly commercial purpose – promoting Xfinity’s services.
More than just a build
The 21370 E.T. set represents a fascinating intersection of nostalgia and engineering. It’s a chance to revisit a beloved classic and, simultaneously, to engage in a satisfying building experience. Pre-orders are open now on LEGO.com. And frankly, given the continued demand for these collectible sets, this one’s likely to sell out fast.