Steven Spielberg weighs in on viral question of whether E.T. was slimy or dry

In a recent episode of The New York Times podcast The Daily, a question that has been simmering in the background of cinema history finally came to the fore: was E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial slimy or dry to the touch? The question, as director Steven Spielberg described it, was "wild." For decades, audiences have debated the texture of this beloved alien, and now, with Spielberg's definitive verdict, we can finally put the controversy to rest. Or can we?

Spielberg's take on the matter is simple: E.T. Was "a little moist but never slimy." This verdict comes as a surprise to some, given the enduring image of E.T. As a slimy, finger-like creature. However, as Spielberg pointed out, this is not entirely accurate. In fact, the alien's skin was only dry when he was sick, a detail that adds a new layer of depth to our understanding of this iconic character.

For comparison, Spielberg cited the xenomorph from Ridley Scott's Alien as a creature that is truly slimy. "That's slimy!" he exclaimed, highlighting the difference between this creature and E.T. The xenomorph's tendrils of drool are a far cry from E.T.'s gentle, almost ethereal presence. As Spielberg noted, E.T. Never had these characteristics, and it's this nuance that sets him apart from other movie aliens.

Spielberg's career is synonymous with alien encounters, from Close Encounters of the Third Kind to War of the Worlds. His latest film, Disclosure Day, is no exception, featuring a whistleblower racing against time to expose a government conspiracy to conceal evidence of extra-terrestrial life. With a cast that includes Josh O'Connor, Emily Blunt, Colman Domingo, and Colin Firth, the film promises to be a thrilling ride.

Spielberg's comments on E.T.'s texture offer a new perspective on this beloved character. Rather than being a one-dimensional, slimy creature, E.T. Is revealed to be a complex, multifaceted being. This nuance is evidence of Spielberg's skill as a storyteller, and it's a reminder that even the most iconic characters can be reinterpreted in new and interesting ways.

• Steven Spielberg directed E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in 1982
• The film was a runaway success, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time for 11 years
• Spielberg has directed several other alien-themed films, including Close Encounters of the Third Kind and War of the Worlds
• His latest film, Disclosure Day, is currently riding high at the global box office

As a writer, I'm struck by the enduring power of E.T. To captivate audiences. Whether we see him as slimy or dry, this alien remains an iconic figure in cinema history. And with Spielberg's latest film, Disclosure Day, hitting theaters, it's clear that the alien question is far from over. In fact, it's only just beginning.