Screenwriter Bob Gale, who co-wrote Back to the Future with Robert Zemeckis, gave a blunt response to ongoing demands for a fourth installment to the sci-fi comedy film trilogy.
On Sunday, Gale accepted the George Pal Memorial Award at the Saturn Awards in Universal City, California, along with BTTF stars Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson, and shocked reporters with a spontaneous announcement that polarized the internet.
“People always say, ‘Well, when are you guys gonna do Back to the Future 4"? mentioned Gale at a press conference with Lloyd and Thompson standing with him.
Here's what he had to say on that score:
“And we say, ‘F'k you.’ "
While a simple "No" would've sufficed, his piercing comment elicited nervous laughter from the room, to which he added, "You can quote me on that."
You can watch a clip here.
- YouTubeyoutu.be
The BTTF trilogy developed an international fanbase that never seemed to get enough of Marty McFly's (Michael J. Fox) adventures since the first film premiered in 1985.
After having established itself in the pop cultural zeitgeist, the iconic film continues entertaining a new generation of fans with a musical adaptation of BTTF that Gale adapted for the stage.
The show, with music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, premiered in London's West End in 2021, followed by a Broadway bow in 2023, and a North American tour that kicked off in June 2024.
However, it's not enough for the diehards demanding a fourth film, which wouldn't be a big ask considering the endless storytelling possibilities given the time-traveling nature of the franchise with a predestination paradox theme.
Gale, who wrote and produced all three BTTF films, is content with the trilogy that neatly wrapped up the main plot points from Part II.
“No, we made three terrific movies,” he clarified.
The 73-year-old award-winning filmmaker continued:
“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.”
Overseas, the musical production is slated for Tokyo, Japan, in April, and another onboard Royal Caribbean International's cruise ship, Star of the Seas, sometime this year.
With additional productions opening in Germany and Australia, Gale commented:
“So, my God, ‘Back to the Future,' I’m gonna be doing it for the rest of my life.”
"Who could ask for anything more, right?"
Still, fans can dream.
Others respected the writer for his harsh stance.
While the message was loud and clear, some bristled at his caustic tone.
Needless to say, if it ain't broke…
Since 1973, the Saturn Awards annually honors science fiction, fantasy, horror, and genre fiction in film, television, and home media releases.
Back to the Future was recognized with the George Pal Memorial Award, which is presented in conjunction with the Saturn Awards ceremony. The award's namesake honors the Hungarian-born American animator and film producer, known for his work in science fiction.
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