"We Say, F*ck You": Back To The Future Writer Continues To Shut Down Any Hopes For A Fourth Movie

The Back to the Future series co-writer completely shuts down any hopes for a fourth movie in the franchise. The ’80s time-traveling classic first hit the big screen in 1985, introducing the world to Marty McFly and his journey through time. Back to the Future was an instant classic that spawned two iconic sequels, Back to the Future Part II (1989) and Back to the Future Part III (1990). The cast is led by Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, with a supporting team that includes Lea Thompson and Crispin Glover.

Speaking at a press conference during the Saturn Awards (via Entertainment Weekly), former Back to the Future writer Bob Gale addressed the chances of a fourth movie being made. The exasperated screenwriter noted that people keep asking him whether he and the team will make another movie in the franchise. In response, Gale offered a curt but to the point “F— you.” Check out the full quote from Gale below:

People always say, ‘Well, when are you guys gonna do Back to the Future 4?’ And we say, ‘F— you.’ You can quote me on that.

We made three terrific movies, and people kept asking for more Back to the Future, so we made Back to the Future: The Musical, which Chris and Lea have attended on several occasions. We’re taking it around the world.

My God, Back to the Future — I’m gonna be doing it for the rest of my life!Who could ask for anything more?

What This Means For The Back To The Future Franchise

Marty McFly Is Done With The DeLorean

This is not the first time that Gale has spoken up that he has no interest in making Back to the Future 4. Back in 2023, he voiced his opposition to those who “want something that makes [them] feel as good as the original did.” He did not find that to be a sufficient reason to re-explore the franchise with another Back to the Future movie and said that Hollywood is way deep into going back to past projects. Then, the writer said that the 2020 musical adaptation was a way for the franchise to be rediscovered.

That has not stopped fans from wanting a Back to the Future 4. In 2023, actor Lloyd mentioned that “at one point they were seriously contemplating a fourth film,” though he did not specify when that moment was. In reality, there would be several barriers in the way of making a fourth movie. Lloyd is now in his 80s, and Fox has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, making it harder to act at the same level that he used to.

Our Take On Gale’s Back To The Future 4 Comments

This Choice Is Probably For The Best

Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) playing the guitar during the Johnny B. Goode scene in Back to the Future

Gale and everyone else who has disapproved of the Back to the Future 4 idea over the years are probably right. All three movies maintained decent reviews and continue to have a cultural significance in the movie atmosphere through many generations. There is also something special about Marty being this young person traveling through time, and it would be tough to replicate that energy in today’s climate. If Gale has his way, the Back to the Future trilogy will be left as-is, and that is probably for the best.

Source: EW