Just how well does LEGO Ideas 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial stack up next to its original 10K fan-designed submission?
LEGO Ideas officially revealed 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial today, a 1,226-piece recreation of Steven Spielberg’s lovable alien lifeform. Not only does the upcoming model take its cue from the classic ’80s sci-fi movie, but the build is also based on a winning 10K submission from Richard Lemeiter (aka Lafabrick).
That fan design managed to land a place in the first LEGO Ideas review of 2025 and was successfully chosen to come a physical future build. Since that point, the LEGO Ideas design team has taken the original model and continued to refine its look into what eventually became 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
The most obvious difference between the two builds is a reduction in size for 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which measures over 24cm tall. In comparison, Lafabrick’s creation stood over 30cm high and was comprised of over 2,990 pieces, which represented a much-larger version of Spielberg’s iconic creation.
The differences don’t stop there either. While the LEGO Ideas fan design and 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial both have some articulation for a range of display poses, Lafabrick’s build also featured a telescoping neck that was activated by a gear at the back, pushing the height of E.T. up to an impressive 38cm when fully-extended.
The original LEGO Ideas submission also came with a bigger brick-built flowerpot than the accessory included with 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, as well as multicoloured sweets representing the candy Elliott gave to the curious alien visitor in the 1982 film, but the loss of the latter doesn’t feel like a big deal and could always be replicated using simple elements.
Both models do manage to tackle the tricky and unique look of their subject matter rather well though, with multiple medium nougat LEGO pieces used to great effect for E.T.’s various wrinkles and skin folds, as well as his bulbous head, long arms, squat torso and stumpy feet.
While the eyes of Lafabrick’s creation were simple black and white pieces, 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial benefits from two new printed elements, giving the character the correct blue eyes, which were in fact based on those of scientist Albert Einstein, writer Ernest Hemmingway and poet Carl Sandburg.
Finally, the original LEGO Ideas model and 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial both incorporate a light brick located in E.T.’s chest, allowing fans to simulate the glow of the alien’s heart and is an interactive element that proves to be an essential addition to both builds.
LEGO Ideas 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial will be released on August 1, 2026, priced at £119.99 in the UK, $139.99 in the US and €129.99 in Europe.
Support the work that Brick Fanatics does by purchasing your LEGO using our affiliate links. Thanks!
Comments
Be the first to comment!