Nerdy Facts of The Day: E.T. via Buzz Feed

Steven Spielberg’s original concept for E.T. was the story of a family that is terrorized in their home by five aliens.

The candy E.T. eats was supposed to be M&M’s, but Mars (M&M’s manufacturer) turned down Spielberg’s request to use it in the film. Spielberg then approached Hershey’s, who allowed him to use its Reese’s Pieces (which, of course, had its sales skyrocket after the release of the film).

Harrison Ford’s cameo as Elliott’s principal was cut from the film.