Get the latest gossip

Steven Spielberg Recalls “Hard-Fought Victory” to Stop ‘E.T.’ Sequel: “I Didn’t Have Any Rights”

The director spoke about the 1982 blockbuster alongside star Drew Barrymore as part of a TCM Classic Film Festival: New York Pop-Up  x  92NY conversation on Saturday.

Taking place ahead of the film’s screening, the conversation — a last-minute schedule swap after a talk with Meryl Streep timed to the 30th anniversary of Out of Africa was canceled due to the Los Angeles wildfires — was equal parts sentimental and illuminating. Barrymore’s Gertie, he said, was the “easiest character to cast,” with the actress’ hiring near instantaneous after she arrived at her audition and grilled him with interview questions before sharing her plans to start a punk band, The Purple People Eaters. They also mentioned Barrymore’s famous “scream test,” with the actress recalling, “I was so excited because I apparently might have damaged the equipment slightly, and so I was like, ‘Thank you.’ I thought if I could break something with my audio, I might be doing a good job.”

Get the Android app