"E.T.: The Book of the Green Planet" Confirmed as Official Sequel to Spielberg's Film

"E.T.: The Book of the Green Planet," a novel released in 1985, serves as the officially designated literary sequel to Steven Spielberg's seminal 1982 film, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." The original film achieved iconic status upon its release, captivating audiences worldwide with its poignant story of friendship between a young boy and an alien, and leaving a significant mark on cinematic history. The novel was published three years later, intended to provide a direct continuation of this beloved narrative and to expand the fictional universe beyond the events depicted on screen.

Despite its official status as a follow-up to one of the most successful films of its era, "E.T.: The Book of the Green Planet" is often described as a largely forgotten part of the "E.T." franchise. Its existence, and more recently, its definitive canonical standing within the broader saga, have become a subject of renewed interest and discussion among fans and media observers.

The topic of this sequel's place in the "E.T." lore was recently highlighted during a public discussion. In a recent interview for the Happy Sad Confused podcast, host Joshua Horowitz specifically posed a question related to the novel and its canonical significance to the "E.T." universe.

(Source: Polygon)