E.T. reunites with Elliott for the holidays in new short film

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial and his friend Elliott have returned in a short film sequel of sorts, and E.T. fans are crying happy tears.

The new video is part of a promotion by Comcast NBCUniversal’s Xfinity division. They’re calling it “A Reunion 3 Million Light Years In The Making”.

Not only has E.T. returned in what looks like a mostly CGI form, but Henry Thomas, the actor who played the little boy who befriended E.T., has returned as well to play the grown-up Elliott.

E.T. meets Elliott’s family and has some fun with his kids, trying some of the new technologies that have come out since his visit 37 years ago, like virtual reality and, of course, Xfinity apps and a voice-controlled remote. He also tries some old favorites like Reese’s Pieces, but in cupcake form.

Fans of the E.T. Adventure ride at Universal Studios Florida have already met some of E.T.’s family and friends, but you see one of his family members in the new short story. You also see another version of the famous bike riding across the sky scene.

Although the world has changed since they’ve last seen each other, E.T. and Elliott’s enduring friendship reminds all of us how important reconnecting is during the holiday season.

If you watched the video during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC, you’ll want to watch this full version with more footage:

Here’s a look at E.T. in the Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration nighttime lagoon show:

You can also see E.T. at Madame Tussauds in Orlando:

To give more families the opportunity to experience the magic of E.T. this holiday season, Comcast NBCUniversal will be featuring the 1982 film on its SYFY network and across the Xfinity TV platform. Xfinity X1 customers can simply say “E.T. Phone Home” into their Voice Remote to find the movie and unlock a destination of E.T. content.

Released in 1982 by Universal Pictures, Steven Spielberg’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” was the biggest blockbuster of its time and remains the top-earning film of the 1980s. The movie won Academy Awards for its iconic music (Best Original Score) and groundbreaking technology (Best Visual Effects).