E.T. was very nearly a sci-fi horror based on existing UFO mythology. The film was originally going to be about a family barricaded in their homes and terrorised by aliens. It featured a subplot about one good alien’s relationship with an autistic boy that was eventually re-written into the film we all know today.

Not only was the original concept for the film quite dark, but there was also a sequel written that even darker. The main plot saw Elliot go off into the woods after feeling E.T.’s return only to be captured and tortured by bad aliens.