‘Back to the Future’ Writer Has a Clear Message for the Fans About a Fourth Movie, and You’re Not Going to Like It

It’s been decades since Back to the Future wrapped up its trilogy, and some of us still hope for another sequel. But if you’re expecting Back to the Future 4, don’t hold your breath.

Bob Gale, who wrote all three movies with director Robert Zemeckis, made his stance crystal clear at the Saturn Awards. Speaking to Collider, he shut down the idea completely. ‘People always say when are you guys going to do Back to the Future 4?’ he said. ‘And we say fuck you.’ He even doubled down: ‘And you can quote me on this.’

Despite Gale’s blunt response, others involved in the franchise have different thoughts. Christopher Lloyd, who played Doc Brown, has shown interest in returning.

In 2023, he told Variety, ‘I would love to do a sequel, but I think [director] Bob Zemeckis and [producer] Steven Spielberg felt that they told the story in the three episodes.’ Still, he left the door open, saying that if someone came up with a ‘brilliant idea,’ a fourth movie could happen.

Michael J. Fox, who starred as Marty McFly, isn’t pushing for a reboot either. ‘I’m not fanatical,’ he said. ‘Do what you want. It’s your movie. I got paid already.’ He also added that he doesn’t see the point of revisiting the story, saying, ‘Are you going to clarify something? You’re going to find a better way to tell the story? I doubt it.’

While the original movies remain untouched, Back to the Future lives on in other ways. A Broadway and West End musical brings the first film to the stage, reimagining it with original songs. But when it comes to another movie, Gale’s answer leaves no room for debate.

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