In Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, much of the story revolves around a lost alien trying to find a way back to their planet, leaving many to wonder what awaited the title character upon their return home. With a curious canon expanding across multiple franchises (including Star Wars), E.T.'s planet is a detail oddly nebulous in the original movie. Although a subject of debate and plenty of imagination, the history of E.T.'s homeworld gives context to one of cinema's most beloved characters, what they were doing on planet Earth, and where their adventures took them after the credits rolled.
Premiering in 1982, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial became a classic of sci-fi cinema. Brilliantly brought to life by director Steven Spielberg, the movie showcased an alien who sometimes felt more human than the government scientists studying them. Although E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial didn't launch theatrical sequels or a TV series, the character persisted in becoming a pop-culture icon. Whether it was from the infamous video game they inspired or the loving legacy established through the classic movie, E.T. left a lasting impact on the sci-fi genre.
The Confusing Canon of E.T.'s Green Planet
In the original film, when E.T. phoned home, a group of extra-terrestrials answered the call, crossing a sea of stars to rescue them. However, it raises the question of where they came from in the first place. While answers are vague and scattered across questionably canon entries within the E.T. mythos, there are common elements between them to paint the picture of a colorful world.
One of the most baffling yet vital clues to the identity of E.T.'s homeworld emerges from an Easter egg in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, where the Asogiana (E.T.'s species) make an appearance. According to a bizarre bit of lore from the former Star Wars canon, their race derives its name from their homeworld Brodo Asogi, as mentioned in the 1985 novel E.T., the Book of the Green Planet. Despite the different universes portrayed in the E.T. novel and Star Wars lore, the concept of the Green Planet remains consistent in E.T.'s backstory. While varying, these depictions of a lush alien world help to establish the mysterious origins of one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history, offering a glimpse into their greatest adventure and the enigmatic world they call home.
Who Picked Up When E.T. Phoned Home?
Whether in Star Wars or the various media surrounding the original movie, including the E.T. ride at Universal Studios, the portrayal of the Asogiana as curious explorers with a deep affinity for flora is commonplace. While many speculate they have connections to the Jedi and E.T.'s powers are derived from the Force, it's clear that the Asogiana is a mainly peaceful and diplomatic race. Driven by their curiosity and adventurous spirits, their depiction challenges the popular stereotypes of aliens as conquerors, as seen in films like War of the Worlds, Invaders from Mars, and even Plan 9 from Outer Space. This unique portrayal of the Asogiana in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial adds to the endearing nature of Steven Spielberg's movie, captivating audiences for generations with its heartwarming story and tear-jerking depiction of extraterrestrial contact.
Although it's fun to imagine the Green Planet and the larger universe surrounding it, what mattered was what was waiting for E.T. when they left Earth behind. Whether it was a lush ecosystem similar to Avatar's Pandora or a conflicted galaxy far, far away, E.T.'s journey took them home. Surrounded by people who cared and a place where they belonged, it was a satisfying end for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial after an intrepid intergalactic adventure where courage, friendship, and love ultimately triumphed.