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Rumors about a potential Back to the Future Part 4 have been swirling for years. But while a fourth film has yet to be confirmed, some new comments from one of the creators will keep the possibility alive. With Back to the Future celebrated as one of cinema’s most iconic trilogies, the ongoing demand for a follow-up has never really disappeared.
The original trilogy, created by director Robert Zemeckis and writer Bob Gale, follows teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) as he travels through time with his eccentric scientist friend, Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd). The films remain beloved, and with spinoffs, games, and comics, fans have had plenty to enjoy over the years. But as for a new installment in the form of Back to the Future Part 4, both Zemeckis and Gale have been firmly against it.
Credit: Universal Pictures
Zemeckis and Gale: “No Fourth Movie”
Both Zemeckis and Gale have repeatedly voiced their opposition to another film in the series. Gale, in particular, has been vocal, famously comparing the notion of making a fourth film to “selling your kids into prostitution.” The pair have often maintained that the trilogy is complete and that any new addition would risk tainting its legacy.
Michael J. Fox, on the other hand, has been relatively open to the idea, saying last year, “Do what you want, it’s your movie—I got paid already.” He seems to have a more laid-back view, especially compared to Zemeckis and Gale’s strong resistance. Meanwhile, Christopher Lloyd has expressed interest in reprising his role as Doc Brown. “I’d love to do Doc again, no question,” he said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2015.
Credit: Universal Studios
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The Success of Back to the Future: The Musical
Though another movie remains uncertain, Zemeckis has recently shown enthusiasm for a different kind of revival—an adaptation of Back to the Future: The Musical into a movie. The musical premiered in 2020 in Manchester, UK, before making its way to London’s West End and eventually Broadway. Winning the 2022 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical, Back to the Future: The Musical has become a massive hit, even kicking off a North American tour and preparing for a Tokyo debut next year.
While Zemeckis has suggested that the musical could translate well onto the big screen, Universal Pictures isn’t quite on board. “I floated that out to the folks at Universal,” Zemeckis recently admitted on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, “They don’t get it.” Despite the studio’s hesitation, the musical’s success suggests that a movie adaptation could appeal to a new generation of fans.
Credit: Universal Pictures
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Why a Fourth Movie Is Still a Long Shot
Zemeckis and Gale’s resistance goes beyond a simple preference. Gale has reiterated that a new film would only move forward with his and Zemeckis’s approval. “As long as I’m alive, no Back to the Future movie remake will be made without my permission,” Gale said, emphasizing the duo’s desire to retain control over the franchise’s legacy. This stance has only strengthened fans’ respect for their commitment to preserving the trilogy as it is.
Fox himself, while open-minded about the concept, has also expressed reservations about a reboot, stating, “The franchise should be left as it is.”
Watch the full interview between Robert Zemeckis and Josh Horrowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast below:
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Could the Musical Be the Key to Reviving Back to the Future?
Back to the Future: The Musical has reimagined the original film with an array of catchy songs and a cast that brings the classic scenes to life in a new way. Featuring iconic moments like Marty’s rock ‘n’ roll performance and the unforgettable clock tower scene, the musical offers a fresh take on the original movie while keeping the essence of Back to the Future intact.
If adapted for film, Back to the Future: The Musical wouldn’t be a straightforward sequel or reboot. Instead, it would serve as a new perspective on Marty and Doc’s story, allowing fans to revisit familiar moments in a fresh format. While Universal’s current reluctance casts doubt on this prospect, a shift in the studio’s position could give Zemeckis and Gale the green light to explore the musical as a film.
What’s Next for Back to the Future Fans?
Even without a fourth movie, the Back to the Future legacy remains alive and well. Between the films, the animated series, and relatively new projects like the musical, there are plenty of ways for fans to keep enjoying the world of Back to the Future. For those in the UK or the U.S., Back to the Future: The Musical continues its run on the West End, on Broadway, and on tour across North America.
So, could Back to the Future see a cinematic comeback, or will the musical be as close as it gets? Time will tell. Until then, fans can only speculate and re-watch the trilogy.
Let us know what you think—would a new film or a musical movie adaptation be the best way forward for Back to the Future?
