Fans hoping for a new installment in the Back to the Future franchise are out of luck. Screenwriter Bob Gale recently put an end to speculation about sequels, prequels, or spinoffs, reaffirming that the iconic 1985 film will remain untouched.
During an appearance at Universal Fan Fest Nights on Friday, Gale responded to continued rumors, including a recent Cobra Kai finale tease of a possible television adaptation.
“I don’t know why they keep talking about that!” Gale said. “Do they think that if they say it enough times, we’re going to actually do it?”
He made it clear that no new additions to the franchise would happen: “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.”
Gale acknowledged that while the film isn’t perfect, it’s good enough. He quoted director Bob Zemeckis: “It’s perfect enough.”
Gale also addressed the possibility of reviving the franchise under corporate pressure, jokingly stating, “If the juggernaut of corporate America says, ‘If you don’t agree to this, we’re going to kill your children,’ alright, well, no, we don’t want our children killed.” He also highlighted the importance of Steven Spielberg’s support, stating that Spielberg, much like Gale, respects the decision not to continue the series and won’t allow another E.T. either.
Reflecting on the 40-year legacy of Back to the Future, Gale expressed pride in the film’s enduring appeal, particularly with new generations of viewers. “What’s so great is seeing the next generation of kids being touched by this,” Gale said. “That’s why I think it keeps on going.”
While no new films are in the works, Back to the Future has been adapted into a musical, which is currently playing in London and touring the U.S., with a recent opening in Tokyo. Gale shared his gratitude for the continued global admiration of the franchise.
“We’ve made Back to the Future: The Musical… and they’re just as crazy, or crazier, over there about that whole ‘Back to the Future’ as anywhere else,” Gale said, expressing how humbled he feels by the ongoing success of the film and its legacy.
The original 1985 movie was followed by Back to the Future Part II in 1989 and Back to the Future Part III in 1990, but for now, no additional films will join the saga.
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