George Lucas has never been one to shy away from in-jokes in the same way that he's never been one to shy away from those flannel shirts. So it's no surprise, really, that 'ol George opted to make a neat little reference to his good buddy Steven Spielberg during the senate scene in The Phantom Menace. Look closely and - as the camera pans across a whole variety of alien species attending the summit meeting at the movie's mid-point - you'll be able to spot E.T. - or, at least, a couple of alien creatures who happen to share his famous looks. Some folk have used this moment to argue for a shared Star Wars/E.T. universe, of course - really, this was more than likely just Lucas have a bit of a laugh.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
