Photographer ‘over the Moon’ with iconic ET recreation two years in the making

A photographer says he is “over the Moon” after recreating an iconic scene from the movie ET in a photo that has been almost two years in the making.

Michael Meighan and his friend Nathan Edwards have tried repeatedly to recreate the scene from the 1982 hit film, when Elliott’s BMX – with ET riding in the basket – flies by the Moon.

The planets finally aligned during last weekend’s first full Moon of the year, when plasterer Edwards pushed his bike uphill and into position on Eglwysilan Mountain, Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Meanwhile, Meighan watched through his viewfinder from 1.4 miles (2.3km) away on a residential street in Treforest, Pontypridd, while the pair kept in contact by phone – attracting the attention of curious householders.

“They came out wondering what was happening when they saw a man with a huge camera lens next to their house,” recalled Meighan, 39, from Cardiff.

The care support worker showed them the scene through his camera with Edwards “huffing and puffing” on the other end of the phone while getting into position following a five-minute uphill bike push.

Edwards, 33, from Cwmbran, Torfaen, had fastened into position a plastic wash bowl complete with teddy bear wrapped in a blanket to make it look like ET was sitting on the front of his own bike.

He then stood and waited for his friend to get the shot which they first began planning in 2024.

Meighan said he and Edwards had scouted other locations and attempted the movie recreation scene before by using a phone app to pinpoint their required positions given the expected location of the Moon.

But opportunities for success had been limited with 12 full Moons in a typical year – until they got the perfect weather conditions last Saturday night.

“We were over the Moon to finally get this one,” said Meighan.

“We’ve attempted to get this shot a few times.

“The weather has messed us about, [also] not being able to get the alignment due to where the Moon is rising, but it finally came to.

“The actual planning is the hard part. Once it’s planned, it’s very simple to execute.”

They shared a “huge embrace” and celebrated in a nearby pub afterwards.

Meighan paid tribute to the commitment of his friend, as the plan was first discussed following another full Moon photoshoot two years ago.

“He’s a fantastic person, a fantastic friend and without him this would not be possible,” said Meighan.

“The enthusiasm that he shows and the dedication to grab the bike, drive to a random location and to do that for sake of this image, it’s just brilliant.”