The Co-scribe of Back to the Future Offers Humorously Straightforward Commentary on Speculations of a Fourth Film
Considering the enduring love for '80s and '90s movie series reimagined in sequels, reboots, and continuations, you'd think that Back to the Future would be no exception. However, screenwriter Bob Gale has a different perspective, as evident at the recent Saturn Awards.
Collider reported from the event, honoring sci-fi, horror, and fantasy, where Back to the Future celebrated its 40th anniversary with the George Pal Memorial Award. The trio, including Gale, Thompson, and Lloyd, didn't shy away from fan inquiries about a fourth movie. Gale's response was blunt: "People always say when are you guys going to do Back to the Future 4? And we say fuck you. And you can quote me on this."
The crowd burst into laughter as Gale clarified his feelings weren't hostile towards the franchise's popularity. He also mentioned the musical adaptation, Back to the Future: The Musical, which has been touring worldwide since 2020. Zemeckis had even expressed interest in adapting the stage production into a film.
Yet, if you're holding out for a traditional movie continuation, you might be in for a disappointment. Despite the interest, there seems to be zero enthusiasm from the creators, who are focused on expanding the universe through alternative mediums. So, while the musical and video games continue to explore the world of Back to the Future, a sequel featuring Marty McFly and Doc Brown appears to remain a pipe dream.
Sources:1. Collider (2023). Bob Gale on Back to the Future 4: “We say f*** you”2. CNET (2023). Bob Gale says "f*** you" to Back to the Future sequel fans3. IGN (2023). Back to the Future Creator Unloads on Sequel Fans With F-Bomb4. Variety (2023). Back to the Future Creator Bob Gale on Sequel: "F*** You" to Fans
io9 reported on Gale's blunt comments at the Saturn Awards, stating that while fans continue to ask about a Back to the Future sequel, the creators have shown little interest and are instead focusing on expanding the franchise through alternative mediums like the musical and video games. Technology has played a significant role in the adaptation of Back to the Future: The Musical, with director Robert Zemeckis expressing interest in creating a film version.
