E.T. Cut a Weird Romantic Subplot for the Lovable Alien

The Nerdist article reveals that Steven Spielberg's classic film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial originally included a romantic subplot for Elliott's mother, Mary (played by Dee Wallace).

Screenwriter Melissa Mathison had conceived a storyline where the recently separated Mary would develop a budding romance with a teacher (initially a gym teacher, later a science teacher/librarian character, distinct from Keys). The idea was to give Mary "something of her own" and explore her life post-separation. Scenes were written, including a parent-teacher conference and Mary preparing for a date.

However, Steven Spielberg ultimately decided to cut this subplot. His primary reasons were:

1. Distraction: He felt it took focus away from the core story of E.T. and Elliott's relationship.
2. Perspective: It shifted the film's perspective away from the children, which he wanted to maintain.
3. Mary's Focus: Dee Wallace also reportedly felt the subplot made Mary seem less attentive to her children during the E.T. crisis.

By removing the romantic arc, Spielberg kept the film tightly centered on the children and their extraordinary experience with E.T., which is seen as a key factor in the movie's enduring emotional impact and success.

Visit https://nerdist.com/article/et-the-extra-terrestrial-romantic-subplot-mary-cut/ to read or listen to the article.

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