The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network Harry and the Hendersons, Spielberg’s Lost Alien Film, and the Birth of E.T. (Ep. 54)
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey go deep into the surprising history behind Harry and the Hendersons—including how a scrapped alien horror film called Night Skies ultimately led to E.T. and Bigfoot comedy gold. From Oscars to animatronic controversies, this episode reveals the untold story behind one of Spielberg’s most fascinating creative pivots.
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How Night Skies went from alien horror to E.T.
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Rick Baker’s original designs for a much scarier alien crew
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Why the Bigfoot suit in Harry and the Hendersons almost wasn’t eligible for an Oscar
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John Lithgow’s role in reshaping the script (and the heart) of the film
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The connection between Predator, Harry, and Universal Studios Hollywood
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Why the movie’s emotional ending still holds up after 38 years
Also in this episode: a new Wicked trailer drop, Hagrid’s joins Express Pass, Rip Ride Rockit gets a closing date, and Halloween Horror Nights adds Fallout and Five Nights at Freddy’s to the mix.
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