The Story of Casting Elliott in "E.T."

Casting Director Marci Liroff ('Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom', and 'Mean Girls') recounts the story of how Henry Thomas was cast as the lead in 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.'
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[@Bladerunner4924764]

According to Henry in another interview, he used the memory of a long lost dog to summon up those emotions for his audition. Good going kid.

[@ultimategamer2669]

It makes you think that there's always some "truth" to every acting. Kinda ironic, really.

[@johnnyquest6115]

DirtyHarry G, isn't that called the Stanislavsky's system of acting?

[@yeng1855]

@@johnnyquest6115 Yes! Yes, that is what we call it.

[@therecitalist]

Omg, I was wondering where on earth he found all of that for his audition. Brilliant!

[@andromedaiscoming185]

@@ultimategamer2669 WHY IS THAT IRONIC

[@taragold6457]

this boy UNDER 10 YEARS OLD, doing IMPROV, given only a LOOSE PROMPT, with NO PREPARE TIME, was able to produce FULL TEARS in under 90 seconds. literally insane and absolutely astounding

[@Ramzblood]

That's cuz they are all abused and have MANY tears

[@Lawless187indika]

@@Ramzblood lol

[@alicia-id4nu]

@@Ramzblood acting comes from true emotions, actors do not simply pretend. As someone else here said this, he used the memory of a lost dog to help him portray this character

[@bananamanchester4156]

plus he was just off a flight and knackered, like holy crap

[@redizdead666]

stop YELLING random WORDS

[@halloweenville1]

You best give him back his damn alien, or i'm gonna make YOU cry.

[@cloudie8314]

🤭

[@raiylynmitchell5892]

YEAH!😡😡

[@angiem7725]

hahaha

[@cloudie8314]

@Chad Mower I'm in!

[@nikopup7239]

Lol

[@Shawdiee]

"In about 3 seconds flat, he had us all crying behind the camera." SAME.

[@abdulazizmath9134]

mashallah tbark allah alhamdulillah inshallah better astaghfirullah

[@alyssajean2327]

Same!

[@SkyCloudSilence]

I literally got to this comment right when she said it in the video.

[@itaahoe]

@@abdulazizmath9134 hahaha! YES!

[@bojohannesen4352]

@@SkyCloudSilence So you're reading the comments and only listening to the video? What a weird thing to do. I think you need to take your attention deficiency up with a professional

[@graemehar3112]

It was hard for me not to cry watching that audition tape.

[@RizzyMacguire]

I did it anyway.

[@oscarcovarrubias5874]

@@RizzyMacguire so did I.

[@j.w7815]

I did cry

[@kimflores6359]

same, its amazing!!! I know those emotions, I can see he just channels them using imagination, amazing!

[@DivaDelgado128]

I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying!

[@dudette6155]

lmao imagine being the kid who almost got cast in ET. you think you're just playing a fun game of dungeons and dragons and then you get fired. he probably hates the movie.

[@SabbatarianSundayer.]

May I recommend; my 2 essay videos, about "Aliens"?

[@McD5791]

that kid probably feels the same as Eric Stolz feels about 'Back To The Future'...

[@ivorytower99]

@dudette Literally Laughing Out Loud! Too funny!

[@ivorytower99]

@@djvapid Nice Defense. Like a pro!

[@aanon5716]

@@djvapid lol. maybe its covid madness, but just lmao! thx.

[@jeffersonborges9932]

Henry Thomas deserved a Academy Award nomination for Best Actor that year. Henry has such a mesmerizing performance as Elliot, even being a child. A memorable performance in a classic movie.

[@leeannhelvenston5435]

He was amazing and heartbreaking in Legends of the Fall too.

[@xidiamond6851]

He could have gotten a supporting nomination

[@sop1710]

Drew Barrymore was pretty amazing too!

[@leewaters2202]

He deserved one just for his damn audition! That's incredible!

[@gretaosullivan4841]

hi

[@user-zb3yl1wu8u]

"Ok Kid You Got The Job" Makes a grown man cry lol

[@wellknown1204]

I lost my shit then burst into laughter when they said *you got the job*

[@lorimyers4783]

I Google “okay kid you got the job” when I need a good cry and watch the audition to see his smile at the end.

[@delanamckay]

That was the most impressive audition I've ever seen in my life. He didn't even have the job and I was crying...and I saw this movie ages ago. Bravo Henry Thomas.

[@user-zp3oz7op6w]

He is so good that I wanted them to stop because he really seemed like his heart was breaking. Unbelievable audition and he helped to make the movie a classic.

[@abdulazizmath9134]

mashallah tbark allah alhamdulillah inshallah better astaghfirullah

[@kami_1789]

@@abdulazizmath9134 Allah snackbar!

[@Seto_KaibaX]

I love his smirk after he was told the job was his.

[@adamwatkins1150]

dat smirk!

[@NUBF]

He said: yay :)

[@brightbite]

It's as though all his life Henry knew E.T. already.... E.T. seems to really exist in Henry's eyes, his tears and in his sadness. His empathy for the lost alien is unbelievable!

[@JSmellerM]

He replaced E.T. with a dog he lost when he was younger. So he was basically pleading for his dog and if you ever had a pet you know how much you love that companion.

[@samuelcolt1505]

@@JSmellerM Yeah. I think of my dog whenever I need to cry

[@brightbite]

@@JSmellerM Yes the passing of a pet is a deep wound. No doubt E.T.'s unique over-soul was layered with the spirit of Henry's dog.

[@Mandy7D7]

It was not about ET. Henry has said that he put his dog in mind. As a child losing your dog is one of the first times you grieve.. Then you add being very tired in and tears come. I think his ability to use it while also not moving his head, not wiping his tears and keeping an intense stare through his audition was brilliant. He is of course incredibly cute too. Cute and very talented.

[@abdulazizmath9134]

mashallah tbark allah alhamdulillah inshallah better astaghfirullah

[@JakeJarvi]

Wow. 20 seconds of his audition has me going. Friggin' kid. Amazing.

[@abdulazizmath9134]

mashallah tbark allah alhamdulillah inshallah better astaghfirullah

[@noneya609]

@@abdulazizmath9134 fidnufxvck ygdkeou

[@NoraGreen1992]

He deserved an oscar :( they didn't give him

[@Joshua-Samarita]

Nora Green Oscar sucks anyway.

[@echt114]

@Nora Green: The movie deserved an oscar too. Ghandi was essentially a like a documentary and should have been in that category. It also wasn't as worthy as E.T.

[@AnuragGanguly]

Awards are too lowkey for such talents ❤️

[@AlphaCentauri24]

Oscar is a shameful sham anyway.

[@gretaosullivan4841]

hi

[@zanechi]

If he just cried about losing his friend, he’s just a child. If he was in full emotion but you still can understand every word he said, he’s an actor, very talented actor.

[@hawaiidispenser]

If I EVER need to cry on command, I'm gonna watch this clip of Henry Thomas right beforehand.

[@deliriumcb5959]

You can pinpoint the moment that the casting crew lost it. About .3 seconds after he does.

[@abdulazizmath9134]

mashallah tbark allah alhamdulillah inshallah better astaghfirullah

[@redmille1000]

I forgot this wasn’t real and they were going to take his best friend away, I have a lump in my throat.......I’m a 52 year old man ffs!

[@thabiletsunyane2040]

Lol!!! I feel ya! 😂

[@eduardochavacano]

i just wish this is on Netflix

[@abdulazizmath9134]

mashallah tbark allah alhamdulillah inshallah better astaghfirullah

[@frogtop35]

@@abdulazizmath9134 well said brother

[@moesiatestecles1975]

@@abdulazizmath9134 Here's a google transcript for anyone interested: "Blessed be Allah, praise be to god" What does better astaghfirullah mean?

[@rvpstudioscanada3991]

Henry Thomas is the most underrated actor. This proves it.

[@deliriumcb5959]

After Hill House, I could see him playing a lot of juicy character roles soon. Tons of talent.

[@rvpstudioscanada3991]

@@deliriumcb5959 About time!

[@abdulazizmath9134]

mashallah tbark allah alhamdulillah inshallah better astaghfirullah

[@Michellecici4]

Gorgeous, beautiful child. Glad he's still with us today.

[@abdulazizmath9134]

mashallah tbark allah alhamdulillah inshallah better astaghfirullah

[@paulanthony5274]

@@abdulazizmath9134 What?

[@SmartMoveGraphics]

@@paulanthony5274 I'm going to join this strange timeline.

[@samaraisnt]

He's saying a short prayer pretty sure. Means like "thank you to god/thanks to god he is still on this earth."

[@paulanthony5274]

@@samaraisnt That's all they ever say

[@sign543]

And now he’s starring in one of the most successful and frightening series ever made: The Haunting of Hill House. It’s interesting how much he still looks exactly like that 10-year-old kid.

[@shayvogler]

He stars in that??????

[@atuma]

He's 10 here??

[@NotADood]

@@shayvogler He and Timothy Hutton both play the father in different timelines.

[@lightening791]

Omg I had no idea that was him

[@daedalus-prime]

@@NotADood HT & TH, two of my favorite actors of the 80s.

[@Beastingcoasters]

They couldn't pick a better person to play Elliott. I still remember being this little kid watching the movie at the Drive In crying when E.T. had to go home. ...I can't believe it's been 36 years since I watched it!! It's still one of my all time favorites!

[@greatriffishere]

It has been 38 years !!! I remember i watched it in the summer of 1982 !!! I saw Poltergeist and then the following week i saw ET !!! Both movies were in the theater at the same time !!! Both were directed by Steven Spielburg !! Great times !!

[@plum_loco]

This IS my favourite movie ever! Only movie that I own in DVD.

[@plum_loco]

@@greatriffishere Yes, they were great times indeed! I had watched them both too!

[@cneddy22]

This kid was crazy good in this... especially at such a young age it’s crazy

[@francoisbessing]

Just saw the raw audition vid and as soon as his voice cracked I sympathetically teared up. He deserved it.

[@buying_Time]

Nobody is going say something about the stellar performance of the one playing the agent in this dialogue? If I would meet this level of tearful indignation and hurt I would go: "Okay, fine, forget I ever mentioned this. He IS yours."

[@highpsi11]

A remarkable ability to get into character instantly. And I cried too. Remarkable.

[@alihughes3728]

I have never managed to watch his audition tape without my eyes tearing up. It's incredible! I always get chills.

[@verslalchimie5824]

Beneath the story about how much everyone loved Henry Thomas for the role, was the story of the first kid who auditioned where casting director concluded "nobody liked this little boy" when the other kids played with him - my guess is that little boy (now man) knows who he is, and this has got to hurt - life can be rough

[@seaofflowers.]

He was probably unlikable in a lot of places, so he was totally aware of it

[@_VelociDad]

His name was Stephen Colbert

[@hrussell9677]

@@_VelociDadExcept that Colbert is loved by everyone except tRump nutcases.

[@hrussell9677]

@@_VelociDadBoy, are you dense. Probably some idiot tRumper.

[@4mjustin]

I immediately started crying, I don't think anything has made me that sad without any real build up

[@markilsemann950]

There are so many layers to this. This kid taps into the most primal human emotions, such as the fear of being abandoned. And he does it so convincingly that even the crew seems to get concerned at some point: Is he still acting, or is he in real distress. That’s, I think, why Spielberg told the cue man to lay off it and said, “Tell him that he can keep him.” This to me is a sign that Spielberg thought, “Jeez, this kid might be in real emotional distress.” In other words, the director for a moment became a spectator in his own movie: “Is this real, or is it still acting?” That’s why the final scene of the audition is so moving, when Henry suddenly snaps out of it and starts smiling. “Fooled you all, folks.” And yet, did he? The sign of any great actor is to blur the line between fiction and reality, and this young person is doing it in a barely prepared audition. For me, the brief clip of the full audition (elsewhere on KZbin) encapsulates what great acting is like.

[@JRob-nw5mt]

Don't you dare take his damn alien away! Dammit!

[@kimberlyarrington5721]

Yep same

[@kristofferwash1]

Lmao

[@eduardochavacano]

that would be the 2020 version, lol. a kid only has to imagine you are taking away his tablet or iphone.

[@orangeziggy348]

Previously, he had a little puppy chihuahua (very small) that he unfortunately saw being mauled by a neighbor's dog. He used that very traumatic memory to stir up his tears. He has said in an interview that the loss of his dog was the reason he got the part.

[@fornax333]

With all the depressing crap that is spread on the internet it is a bless to see a heartwarming movie clip like this, a truly moving and impressive casting.

[@xidiamond6851]

It's not heartwarming. It talked about bullying and kids not liking other kids

[@jleon1985]

His crying reminds me of Judy Garland in WOZ. So emotionally honest and raw.

[@titacarat3449]

I couldn't point my finger on who it was then i saw your comment. Thank you.

[@anurruti]

not only being able to cry at will is one of the hardest accomplishment of an actor/actress, but do it totally on the fly, really show the amazing talent of this kid. Wow, simply wow.

[@justcallmejessz3712]

No matter how many times I watch this clip (and its been ALOT lol) it amazes me even more. SO much talent. REAL PURE TALENT

[@BackYardBoxGardening]

They should make a sequel now. "E.T. Comes Home." And of course, cast Henry Thomas as a disgruntled adult, sour with the world. When E.T. reappears, it reaffirms his faith in love and friendship and Elliott heals by the end of the movie (perhaps even leaves with E.T.)

[@saltatoria]

They sort of did. Prepare to cry your eyes out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4LSgmd3e6ljock

[@markynio]

@@saltatoria Thanks for this Sarah :)

[@deliriumcb5959]

@@saltatoria How did a commercial for a service provider make these wet things leak from my face?

[@TXgeargirl]

😮 WAAAAAHHHHHHHHH 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@samaraisnt]

YES!!

[@johnsinger8503]

I have watched Henry's audition many times and it never fails to move me to tears. what a talent he is , my eyes are wet

[@arcangel5598]

Even the audition made me cry.

[@csmith9684]

Unbelievable- this is truly acting in its core He made you believe in his heart felt emotions & put you there in the room This is something you are born with can't be taught -wow

[@sitakelemswati]

Damn this child got me in tears

[@Karina00K]

The moment he started crying, I started crying. Wow. What a powerful audition. I felt like it was all real.

[@user-kr4tb1xs2d]

I think the most astonishing thing is that it isn't just natural talent that he could do that. He genuinely was trained and knew how to make that performance at 10 years old. Fucking brilliant

[@guytorie]

This made me cry I wasn't prepared

[@joshuat5140]

Henry gave one of the greatest acting performances ive ever seen. The audition and film was brilliant. For a young boy to do is just mind-blowing imo.

[@studio1954thereflections]

What a great little actor! Such a natural! Loved ET!

[@mantastrumpickas5508]

Very powerful acting. I'm amazed a kid could do it so extremely persuasive!

[@princepeterwolf]

He deserved an Oscar for his performance on that film, absolutely unforgettable

[@Concetta20]

I’m so glad to see Henry Thomas making a comeback. He’s still an amazing, soulful actor.

[@beckymcshannon7088]

He's so good it makes me feel like he's forgotten that it's an audition and I just want to hug him and tell him "it's okay, it's okay". I'm sure some people in that room had to be feeling the same way. It's a Mom thing.

[@valeriewilliams2891]

Every time I watch this I cry when he cries! What a great actor!!!

[@billsomrak]

Yep, Henry had me crying after he started (just like the casting crew). Amazing little actor (loved the movie).

[@lfr30043]

Great story Marci. Two paths that crossed each other became a dream come true for Elliot. All who worked on this wonderful timeless piece of mystery, adventure and extraordinary cinematic art which became a great story of ET. thanks for the memories.

[@fede77]

*Goose bumps*

[@zizihye5002]

Yea it’s like unavoidable! Tears will fall no matter how many times I watch the audition

[@musicbykenny8218]

Every time I see this audition, over the years, I instantly cry in as many seconds as she described. Amazing!

[@Tio683]

I cried so much just by watching the audition video 😭😭😭😭😭

[@angelenapulis9083]

Fantastic acting skills. I absolutely bawled watching this and the full audition clip.

[@eddeh0772]

Beautiful story, and if you have a chance to see the raw footage it’s even more impressive and well worth it. Genuinely one of the best audition videos you’ll ever see

[@karmanamjak]

He was my age and I remembered I wanted to be his friend so much. 11 years old.

[@Lisa-ji5de]

This makes ME cry everytime I see Henry

[@moncsi0019]

My teardrops are falling. He brings my (innocent, true feelings ) childhood memory back, so moving, He was so talented wow

[@dianacooper8414]

He made me cry like a baby!

[@tracytabb2882]

no matter how many times i watch his audition omg wow i cry every time speechless

[@s.susanmarandi9080]

"Okay, kid, you got the job." If it were me, *I would have addressed him as "sir"* and *asked him* if he would take the job.

[@Albaisnothere]

I literally cried cried when I watched the audition. Is so freaking awesome!

[@LargestClassifieds]

I can tell you, this kid's tearful emotions moved me. I didn't expect that.

[@Doodlebugthegoldenhamster]

ET is my favorite movie of all time. Everything about it is just so wholesome and precious! I don’t understand why more people aren’t talking about this cinematic gem.

[@ColRusSer]

As an actor, and director (albeit “non-practicing” which is debatable) I had to watch Thomas Henry again; astounding performance and ability to immerse himself in the character and his story in an instant. Something like this never ceases to amaze, and never gets old.

[@MyOpinionsOnly]

I was literally a kid when this movie came out and ive watched the audition clip and i cried. Just by the expression of his lips - omg. He's so talented.

[@Xianne027]

Thanks for sharing! I'm so glad to see this!

[@defiant2theend]

0:33 Is this why the first episode of Stranger Things started with the kids playing "Dungeons and Dragons???"

[@onthegrind7525]

Watched ET at school as a 7 year old.. im not gonna lie but every kid in our class had a tear in their eye watching this lol... gotta love this classic movie

[@raquelassumpcao53]

Pure genuine talent

[@tess303]

Only just saw this footage now and I’m crying!!!

[@jrl97]

this audition alone deserved an Oscar of its own

[@katelewis536]

To know so much at such a young age....that was so awesome....I was sobbing

[@shuib]

He moved me to tears in no time!!!!!

[@louise3995]

he was so good that i got worried like "KID ARE U OKAY?"

[@boojay111]

I was totally drawn in and tears were welling up in my eyes whilst watching, amazing talented boy and for a 10 year old, astounding

[@zanehubbard]

One of the best auditions I’ve ever seen.

[@robdixson196]

It was unnerving when he just instantly turned all that off the second he heard "Ok kid, you've got the job"

[@rustygazes256]

Amazing how do they do it .this is a child who easily convey raw emotion . Truly amazing.

[@VEROTHOMAS1]

Incredible amazing casting, actor and movie ! Merci du partage :) Thank you for sharing. Best and Hell from Paris !

[@70ksingh]

Niagara Falls Comic Con.....can't wait to meet this guy! I was 11when the movie debuted. My all time favourite movie.

[@SterlingFogg]

Best audition ever.

[@aanon5716]

he was so talented. crying on cue?! even many adult actors cant do that. i wonder who the brat was that lost the job? lol.

[@JM1675]

He was probably crying on cue because of the sheer amount of child abuse in Hollywood.

[@donttagmeinyourreply1304]

@@JM1675 actually he recalled a memory of his pet. I doubt he'd been in Hollywood for that tbh

[@danmagoo]

The way he cried on cue struck me as an amazing magic trick, almost a miracle. Then I remembered: women do this all the time.

[@aanon5716]

@@danmagoo lol.

[@roses9707]

@@danmagoo your sexism isn't welcome here, asshole

[@sstirling8816]

I have never seen this movie, but what a touching audition for such a young kid.

[@wellingtonvarela7626]

What great talent so naturally

[@nathanjamesbaker]

Henry Thomas, the actor who played Elliott, is only three years older than me. I saw E.T. in the theater when it came out, and cried my eyes out during the ending.

[@beautifulspirit2973]

He was the perfect choice. So gifted. ET was/is awesome 😎

[@simonrodgers2375]

Ridiculously underrated actor

[@berenicereyesg.7895]

Amazing Henry! I love this handsome, talented, awesome kid in the movie. I think he was perfect as Elliot and all the characters in the cast were very well chosen. E.T. is one of my favorite movies ever since then until now. Thanks for sharing. Blessings always...

[@nemo227]

It's great when the casting people are this good. We then get to see an excellent movie.

[@jeslela]

Incredible performance!

[@JMBBrasil]

I cried watching that audition tape. So good.

[@alisonlekarev2183]

He brought tears to my eyes.

[@sirro3307]

A true artist from the beginning.. Respect.. 👊🏽

[@feetthong624]

I cried

[@tinaquinn9689]

I watched this as a kid my younger brother was in tears I now put it on for my own kids and they were in tears

[@KevinCovington5453]

WOW im so gladthat footage survived forty years. Wonderful to see!