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Pryor & Jackson's Secret Role in E.T.'s Success
20 Aug
Summary
- Richard Pryor and Michael Jackson previewed E.T. to gauge audience reception.
- Their positive reactions eased studio concerns about the film's casting.
- Jackson narrated the E.T. storybook, winning a Grammy.
The making of Steven Spielberg's classic film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is detailed in the new book "Stranded on Earth: How Night Skies Became E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial." The book includes insights from the film's production, highlighting a critical screening.
Studio executive Thom Mount arranged a private screening for Richard Pryor and Michael Jackson to assess potential audience reactions, particularly regarding the film's casting. Both icons loved the movie, providing crucial validation.
Pryor later spoke about E.T. on late-night talk shows, helping to promote the film. Michael Jackson also narrated an audiobook version of the E.T. story, for which he won a Grammy in 1984. The book "Stranded on Earth" explores how Spielberg's initial alien horror concept, Night Skies, evolved into the beloved E.T. The book is scheduled for release on October 27.
