Find out about Harrison Ford’s relationship with ‘ET the Extraterrestrial’ and Steven Spielberg’s decision.
Famous Hollywood actor Harrison Ford is known for his iconic role as Han Solo in ‘Star Wars’ and Indiana Jones. His versatile career has led him to work with legendary directors such as Steven Spielberg. Beyond his fame, Ford left an indelible mark on cinema and demonstrated his ability to play multiple characters.
In the vast universe of cinema, there are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. One such gem is Harrison Ford’s unintentionally deleted cameo in ‘ET the Extraterrestrial’, a film that has a before and after in the history of family and science fiction cinema. Unknown to many, this detail reveals the depth of the relationship between Ford and legendary director Steven Spielberg.
Ford’s unexpected connection with ‘ET’
Interestingly, Ford’s involvement in the film affected their personal relationship. Melissa Matheson, her then partner and later wife, played an integral role in creating the script for ‘ET’. Although Spielberg initially turned down Spielberg’s offer to write the film, it was Ford who convinced her to accept the challenge. This decision not only earned Matheson an Oscar nomination, but also established a successful collaboration with Spielberg for future projects.
Ford’s deleted scene, in which he played Elliott’s school principal, is an example of how even the most accomplished actors can be left out of a production due to creative decisions. Realizing the impact and tone he wanted for ‘ET’, Spielberg chose to eliminate the scene, prioritizing narrative cohesion over star appearance. Known for his iconic roles as Han Solo and Indiana Jones, Ford has shown his versatility by taking on a role that defies the conventional image.
The legacy of ‘ET’
Released on June 11, 1982, ‘ET the Extra-terrestrial’ became an instant classic, enthralling audiences of all ages with its story of friendship between a man and an alien. Spielberg’s direction and a cast of Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Robert McNaughton, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote and Casey Martell, along with Matheson’s skills as a screenwriter, created a milestone in the adventure and science fiction genre.
The professional relationship between Spielberg and Ford, cemented with the Indiana Jones saga, is an example of a successful collaboration in Hollywood. Spielberg, who dominated the film industry in the 80s and 90s, considered Ford for several projects, including roles that eventually went to Sam Neill and Liam Neeson. Decisions like these show Spielberg’s ability to choose the perfect actors for his cinematic vision.
Final Reflection: The Art of Editing
Spielberg’s decision to remove Ford’s cameo illustrates the importance of editing in cinematic storytelling. Sometimes even the biggest stars’ contributions have to be sacrificed for the sake of story coherence and emotional impact. ‘ET’ is a testament to Spielberg’s artistic vision and commitment to creating unforgettable cinematic experiences.
With ‘ET the Extraterrestrial’ available to rent on Amazon Prime Video, fans have the chance to relive this cinematic masterpiece, while wondering what could have been with Ford’s involvement. The film is not just a nostalgia trip, but a reminder that decisions made behind the scenes can have just as much impact as what we see on screen.