Some movies are simply entertaining. Others stay with us for a lifetime. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, directed by Steven Spielberg, is one of those rare films—a heartfelt story about a lonely boy, a gentle alien, and a friendship strong enough to bridge the vastness of space. More than four decades after its premiere, E.T. remains one of the most beloved characters in cinematic history. Now, the legendary extraterrestrial is making a surprising comeback in the form of a brand-new LEGO Ideas collector’s set.
More Than Just a Building Set
LEGO has long outgrown its reputation as a toy for children.
Today, it’s a passion shared by millions of adults who happily spend hours assembling iconic cars, architectural masterpieces, and legendary movie characters.
The new LEGO Ideas E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (21370) has been created specifically with that audience in mind.
The set includes 1,226 pieces, allowing builders to create a highly detailed model of the legendary alien. This isn’t just a static display piece—it features multiple points of articulation, making it possible to recreate some of the film’s most memorable moments.
A Glowing Heart
The set’s standout feature is its integrated light brick.
With the press of a switch on E.T.’s back, his chest lights up just as it did in the iconic movie.
That glowing heart became one of the film’s most enduring symbols—a beacon of kindness, compassion, and hope.
LEGO has recreated this detail with remarkable accuracy, transforming the model into something that is not only visually stunning but genuinely moving.
Attention to Detail That Impresses
The figure includes nearly every feature fans remember from the film.
Its head rotates a full 360 degrees and tilts in multiple directions.
The mouth opens.
The arms, hands, and fingers can all be posed in various positions.
And, of course, E.T.’s famous extended finger is there too—the one he used to touch people while delivering the unforgettable line, “I'll be right here.”
The set also includes a small pot of sunflowers, referencing one of the film’s most touching scenes, when E.T. brings wilted flowers back to life.
Designed by a Fan
Perhaps the most fascinating part of this release is that it didn’t originate inside LEGO’s design studios.
It was created by an everyday LEGO enthusiast.
The concept was submitted through the LEGO Ideas platform, where fans can propose their own set designs. After receiving thousands of community votes, the project was officially approved and put into production.
It’s another reminder that some of the best ideas come directly from passionate fans.
For Those Who Grew Up with E.T.
There’s a reason the box is marked 18+.
It’s not just because of the complexity of the build.
This set is made for the generation that first watched Spielberg’s masterpiece as children and still remembers the unforgettable moment when the bicycle soared across the face of the full moon.
It’s nostalgia you can proudly display on a shelf.
A Collector’s Piece with Soul
Standing over 24 centimeters (9.5 inches) tall, the completed model looks every bit like a museum-worthy collectible.
It doesn’t rely on flashy colors or excessive detail to make an impression.
Instead, it captures the same quiet, slightly melancholic, and deeply human spirit that made E.T. an unforgettable character.
When a Toy Becomes a Symbol
Collector-focused LEGO sets have evolved far beyond simple building toys.
They’ve become a way to preserve the stories that helped shape who we are.
The new LEGO Ideas E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a perfect example.
It’s more than just 1,226 pieces.
It’s a reminder of a time when movies inspired us not only with spectacular visuals but also taught us empathy, friendship, and what it means to be truly human.
And that may be exactly why this set has every chance of becoming one of LEGO’s most emotionally resonant releases in recent years—not because of the challenge of building it, but because of the memories it brings back to life.
