Summary
TheBack to the Futuretrilogy is one of the most beloved film franchises of all time. But unlike other hit stories such asJurassic Park,Star WarsorIndiana Jonesfrom that era of Hollywood, Marty and Doc Brown’s story has yet to receive any form of continuation.
Back to the Future’spopularity has only continued to grow in the near forty years since the first film’s release. However, following Marty’s journey into the wild West inBack to the Future Part III,the story has been thoroughly left alone.Part IIIwrapped up its characters and plotlines in such a satisfying way that a further installment has always remained out of the question for its original creative team, who have also sought to protect it from studio executives trying to capitalize on a financial gold mine. Whilst onscreen content has been sparse, the creative voices behind the franchise haveoffered more material in other mediums, such asBack to the Future: The Musical,which has seen widespread popularity and support during its international tours.
One of the trilogy’s original co-writers discussed the floating idea of another onscreen addition to theBack to the Futureuniverse and was strongly dismissive of any new material being made.Bob Gale spoke exclusively to PEOPLE magazineat the recent Universal Fan Fest Nights on April 25th this year and addressed the teasing suggestion made by Netflix’sCobra KaithatBack to the Futurewas getting a new series. This was in response to a post-credits scene inCobra KaiSeason 6, where the show’s creators, Josh Heald and Jon Hurwitz, can be seen pitching a reboot ofBack to the Future:“So, the show would be set in Hill Valley, alternate 1985. All we need is Wilson, Thompson, and Zane.” Gale clapped back, seemingly perplexed at the repeated attempts to manifest a reboot:
“I don’t know why they keep talking about that! I mean, do they think that if they say it enough times, we’re going to actually do it?”
This snappy response seems to have definitively shut down a conversation around a spin-off, prequel, or remake of the series. Gale continued on to express his frustration at questions from people across the industry about whether he would consider revisiting the series. He was very direct and adamant in his rejection of more storiesin theBack to the Futureuniverse:
“In every interview people say, ‘Oh Bob, when is there going to be aBack to the Future 4?’ Never. When is there going to be a prequel?’ Never. ‘When is there going to be a spinoff?’ Never. It’s just fine the way it is. It’s not perfect, but as Bob Zemeckis used to say, ‘It’s perfect enough.’”
Gale isn’t the only creative lead behind the series that would need to approve a potential reboot.Steven Spielberg is an executive produceron the franchise. The iconic film director behind franchises likeIndiana JonesandJurassic Park, which have both received multiple sequels and reboots respectively, has apparently always stood behind the creative team’s decision to leave it atPart III. This is not the first time Spielberg has been resistant to revisiting old projects. Audiences can view for themselves the creative differences between George Lucas and Spielberg in a behind-the-scenes “The Making of” documentary forIndiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Spielberg initially wasn’t keen on making a fourth installment, but Lucas eventually persuaded him to come on board.
Gale spoke about his respect for Spielberg and his principled stance against an industry that is constantly trying to cannibalize its own projects, and make a quick buck to the detriment of good storytelling:
“He’s got to sign off on it too. And Steven, just like Steven won’t allow anotherE.T., he totally respects the fact that we don’t want any moreBack to the Future. He gets it and always stood behind that. And thank you, Steven.”
The creators ofCobra Kaihave admitted that theBack to the Futurereference in their show’s finale was intended to be light-hearted fun. They acknowledged that the solid protection surrounding the franchise’s rights was “for good reason”. However, they did express that if the original creators ever decided to pursue a sequel series then, “we’d be all-in.“
Ultimately, Gale’s comments demonstrate the love and devotion to this legendary piece of cinema that continues to have a unique, popular creative voice, even with younger film fans that are just starting to get into cinema.The original legacy ofBack to the Futurewill continue to be preserved and the self-contained story of its trilogy will stand its reputation in good stead for years to come.
