Summary
- Back to the Future trilogy remains untouched post-Part III due to a satisfying conclusion.
- Co-writer Bob Gale dismisses any talk of a new on-screen addition to the franchise.
- Spielberg supports the original team's decision to preserve the trilogy, resisting pressure for reboots or sequels.
The Back to the Future trilogy is one of the most beloved film franchises of all time. But unlike other hit stories such as Jurassic Park, Star Wars or Indiana Jones from that era of Hollywood, Marty and Doc Brown's story has yet to receive any form of continuation.
Back to the Future's popularity 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 in Back to the Future Part III, the story has been thoroughly left alone. Part III wrapped 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 have offered more material in other mediums, such as Back to the Future: The Musical, which has seen widespread popularity and support during its international tours.
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One of the trilogy's original co-writers discussed the floating idea of another onscreen addition to the Back to the Future universe and was strongly dismissive of any new material being made. Bob Gale spoke exclusively to PEOPLE magazine at the recent Universal Fan Fest Nights on April 25th this year and addressed the teasing suggestion made by Netflix's Cobra Kai that Back to the Future was getting a new series. This was in response to a post-credits scene in Cobra Kai Season 6, where the show's creators, Josh Heald and Jon Hurwitz, can be seen pitching a reboot of Back 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 stories in the Back to the Future universe:
"In every interview people say, ‘Oh Bob, when is there going to be a Back 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 producer on the franchise. The iconic film director behind franchises like Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park, which have both received multiple sequels and reboots respectively, has apparently always stood behind the creative team's decision to leave it at Part 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 for Indiana 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 another E.T., he totally respects the fact that we don't want any more Back to the Future. He gets it and always stood behind that. And thank you, Steven."
The creators of Cobra Kai have admitted that the Back to the Future reference 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 of Back to the Future will continue to be preserved and the self-contained story of its trilogy will stand its reputation in good stead for years to come.
- Release Date
- July 3, 1985
- Runtime
- 116 minutes
- Director
- Robert Zemeckis
- Writers
- Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale
- Producers
- Bob Gale, Frank Marshall, Kathleen Kennedy, Neil Canton
- Sequel(s)
- Back to the Future Part II, Back to the Future Part III
- Franchise(s)
- Back to the Future
Cast
-
Michael J. FoxMarty McFly -
Christopher LloydEmmett Brown -
Crispin GloverGeorge McFly -
Lea ThompsonLorraine Baines
