The E.T. Audition

With his Hollywood education continuing, James was now preparing for another challenge — his audition for E.T. He knew that to make an impression, he had to be more than just a decent actor. He needed to embody what Spielberg was looking for, and fortunately, he already knew exactly what that was.

For weeks leading up to the audition, James dedicated himself to preparation. He watched children's performances from other films, studying their emotional range and expressions. Every evening, he rehearsed with his mother, running lines, adjusting his tone, and refining his delivery.

"You're not just reading lines," his mother said one night as she watched him practice. "You need to feel it. Picture the scene in your mind — make me believe it."

James nodded, taking a deep breath. He adjusted his posture and tried again, this time with more sincerity in his voice. His mother smiled. "Much better."

To push himself further, James started recording his rehearsals and playing them back, analyzing his performance with a critical eye. He would note where he needed to add more emotion, where his timing felt off, and how he could improve his reactions. He wasn't just memorizing lines — he was dissecting every aspect of the character.

The night before the audition, he stood in front of a mirror, reciting his lines softly. He wasn't nervous — he was focused. He had an advantage no other actor had: he knew the final product. He understood exactly what Spielberg was looking for. He had seen the completed film before, decades ago, and he knew how each scene was meant to feel. Now, he just had to convince them that he was the right choice.

"You're going to do great," his mother reassured him as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "No matter what happens, just give it your best."

When the day of the audition arrived, James and his mother arrived at the studio early. The casting call had drawn dozens of young actors, all eager for a shot at the lead role. Unlike them, James wasn't an aspiring actor — he was a strategist. He wasn't here to become a star; he was here to observe and win.

Spielberg greeted him personally when he arrived. "Glad you made it, James," he said with a grin. "You ready to give this a shot?"

James nodded. "Absolutely. I just want to see what it's like."

As he stepped into the audition room, he took in everything — the lighting setup, the placement of cameras, the way the casting directors observed each performance. He watched as other kids went through their lines, noting what worked and what didn't. He paid close attention to the subtle cues the directors reacted to, pinpointing what drew their attention the most.

When his turn came, he stepped forward with quiet confidence. The moment he started delivering his lines, the room grew silent. His expressions were natural, his delivery sincere. There was something about him — an understanding of the role that felt deeper than the other kids. He didn't just recite words; he conveyed emotions exactly as they were needed. He reacted to unseen cues as if they were real, his eyes reflecting the innocence, curiosity, and fear of the character he portrayed. His voice wavered at just the right moments, his posture shifting subtly to match the emotions required in the scene.

As the scene wrapped, Spielberg leaned forward slightly, rubbing his chin. "That was impressive, James. You have a very unique presence."

James kept his expression neutral, but inside, he knew he had hit the right notes. "I just tried to connect with the role," he said simply.

After the auditions wrapped, Spielberg and his team gathered in a private meeting to discuss their options. The final decision came down to two names: James and Henry Thomas. Both had given excellent performances, but there was something about James — his maturity, his composure, and his eerie ability to understand the material — that made him stand out.

"Henry is great," one casting director said. "But James… he's something else. He doesn't just act — he knows. It's like he understands the entire vision."

"He's unnervingly composed for a kid," another added. "And his reactions were spot on. It's almost like he could see the finished product already."

Spielberg tapped his fingers on the table before nodding. "I think we have our Elliott. Let's give him the call."

That evening, James and his mother were at home when the phone rang. She answered, listening in silence before her eyes widened in shock. "James… it's for you. It's Spielberg."

James took the phone, already knowing what was coming. Spielberg's voice came through the receiver. "James, we want you for the role. Congratulations."

James allowed himself a small smile. He had done it.

His mother covered her mouth, tears welling in her eyes. "James, you actually did it," she whispered, pulling him into a hug.

James returned the embrace, feeling a quiet satisfaction settle within him. He had worked hard for this, and now he had achieved it.