Get PolitiFact in your inbox.

Ciara O'Rourke
By Ciara O'Rourke April 17, 2024

An ‘E.T.’ sequel isn’t coming to theaters, despite movie poster image

If Your Time is short

  • This claim is false.

E.T. will not be phoning home a second time — a supposed movie poster advertising an "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" sequel is fabricated. 

The image, shared in an April 13 Facebook post, shows what looks like an older, wizened E.T. 

The words "E.T. The Return To Earth" appear above him and "Summer 2025" below him. 

This post was flagged as part of Meta’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.)

This poster image appears to have originated on a Facebook page that posts fabricated movie images and describes itself as "100% satire and fake news."

The entertainment website ScreenRant said in April that plans for an E.T. sequel were tabled "to preserve the original’s integrity and reputation." 

We found no credible news reports claiming that an E.T. sequel is forthcoming. 

We rate this post False.

 

Our Sources

Browse the Truth-O-Meter

More by Ciara O'Rourke

An ‘E.T.’ sequel isn’t coming to theaters, despite movie poster image

Support independent fact-checking.
Become a member!

In a world of wild talk and fake news, help us stand up for the facts.

Sign me up