ET: The Extra Terrestrial ‘sequel’ reunites the beloved Steven Spielberg alien with Henry Thomas

He’s phoned home again, 37 years later

An unexpected sequel to ET: The Extra-Terrestrial has been released online, and it reunites the alien with Elliott, the co-lead character in Steven Spielberg’s 1982 film.

Comcast Xfinity assembled the pair for a new advertisement in which ET returns to Earth to reconnect with Elliott (Henry Thomas), who is now married with two children.

Naturally, a confused ET is introduced to new technology, including the internet and virtual reality headsets. “A lot’s changed since you were here,” Elliott tells his old friend.

The short film, released on Thanksgiving (28 November), will be shown ahead of new film releases in US cinemas until 5 January, 2020.

Speaking about the reunion, Thomas – who starred in the original alongside Drew Barrymore – said: “The audience is going to get everything they want out of a sequel without the messy bits that could destroy the beauty of the original and the special place it has in people’s minds and hearts.”

Spielberg’s ET, written by Melissa Mathison, grossed more than $800m globally upon its release in 1982. According to Deadline, the director was consulted throughout the process of making this new short film.

A Holiday Reunion was directed by Lost in Translation cinematographer Lance Acord – watch the full video below.

Thomas most recently starred in Mike Flanagan’s Netflix horror series Haunting of Hill House.