The film, produced in 1982, sported a topnotch cast with Raul Julia, Teri Garr, Joan Hackett, John P. Ryan, Desidario (Desi) Arnaz and Jackie Coogan, coupled with a script penned by E.T.'s own Melissa Mathison (with co-writer Stephen Zito). Directing duties went to renowned cinematographer Caleb Deschanel (THE BLACK STALLION, THE NATURAL, THE RIGHT STUFF).