What movie featured Reece's Pieces as part of the story, because the director couldn't obtain the rights to use M&M's?

One movie that prominently featured Reece's Pieces as part of its story is the iconic 1982 science fiction film, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." Directed by Steven Spielberg, "E.T." tells the heartwarming tale of a young boy named Elliott who befriends an alien stranded on Earth.

Originally, Spielberg had intended to use M&M's as the candy that Elliott uses to lure and befriend the alien. However, the filmmakers were unable to obtain the rights to feature M&M's in the movie. As an alternative, the production team approached Hershey's, the parent company of Reece's Pieces, who gladly agreed to feature their candy in the film.

The decision to showcase Reece's Pieces turned out to be a stroke of genius and a win-win for both the movie and the candy brand. Following the release of "E.T.," sales of Reece's Pieces skyrocketed, as the candy became synonymous with the adorable extraterrestrial character. It was a marketing coup for Hershey's and solidified Reece's Pieces as a beloved snack among moviegoers.

"E.T." went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of all time, captivating audiences worldwide with its magical story of friendship and adventure. The clever integration of Reece's Pieces into the narrative further cemented the movie's place in pop culture history.

Decades later, the use of Reece's Pieces in "E.T." still serves as a prime example of successful product placement in cinema. The candy's appearance in the film was not only a creative solution to a legal issue but also a brilliant marketing strategy that propelled the brand to new heights.

So, the next time you watch "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and see Elliott luring the lovable alien with a trail of colorful candies, know that those candies are none other than Reece's Pieces, forever entwined with the magic of this timeless cinematic masterpiece.

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