Rare E.T. Model from Spielberg's Classic Film Heads to Auction, Expected to Fetch Up to $900,000

A rare, screen-used model of E.T. from Steven Spielberg's "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" is going up for auction at Sotheby's, with estimates ranging from $600,000 to $900,000. The model, designed by Academy Award-winning special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi, was used in the iconic closet scene where E.T. attempts to hide among stuffed animals. This piece comes from Rambaldi's personal collection, which also includes sketches and animatronic studies of E.T.'s eye. Other items from Rambaldi's work on films like "Dune" and "Rex: A Dinosaur's Story" are also being auctioned. Bidding for "There Are Such Things: 20th Century Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy on Screen" opens March 21 and continues through April 3. Rambaldi's daughter, Daniela, hopes the artifacts will bring joy and inspire future generations. Sotheby's highlights the model as a testament to the artistry of practical effects before the dominance of CGI.