Michael Meighan is thrilled after a two-year journey to recreate a famous scene from the movie E.T.. He and his friend Nathan Edwards managed to capture the moment when Elliott and E.T. ride a BMX bike across the full moon.
It all came together during the recent full moon last weekend. Edwards pushed his bike up Eglwysilan Mountain while Meighan photographed him from about 1.4 miles away using a huge camera lens. This idea had been a work in progress since 2021, with numerous failed attempts due to bad weather and tricky moon alignments.
They carefully planned the shot, using a smartphone app to get the angles just right. On the day of their successful shoot, curious neighbors watched as Meighan, a care support worker, set up the scene while Edwards did a five-minute uphill bike push.
To make it look like E.T. was riding alongside him, Edwards cleverly used a teddy bear wrapped in a blanket. He secured it in a plastic wash bowl on his bike. “They came out wondering what was happening when they saw a man with a huge camera lens next to their house,” Meighan recalled, laughing at the curious onlookers.
They finally got their shot, leading to a sense of accomplishment and a celebratory drink afterward. “We were over the Moon to finally get this one,” Meighan said.
It’s interesting to note that the E.T. scene has inspired many fans and photographers over the years. In fact, social media often buzzes with similar recreations, showing how the film continues to resonate. The 1982 classic, directed by Steven Spielberg, remains a nostalgic favorite and has even led to discussions about its impact on pop culture. According to a recent survey, over 85% of people who grew up watching E.T. claim they associate the film with their childhood memories.
This creative endeavor showcases the power of friendship and dedication. Meighan praised Edwards’s commitment. “Without him, this wouldn’t have been possible,” he said. Their journey reminds us that with patience and teamwork, dreams can come to life—even if it takes two years to align the moon just right.
