Screenwriter Bob Gale has reiterated that a fourth “Back to the Future” film is unlikely, or in his words, it’s not going to occur.
The 73-year-old author of the cherished sci-fi trilogy “Back to the Future,” in collaboration with director Robert Zemeckis, has consistently maintained that the series has reached its conclusion, and he has reiterated that neither a prequel nor sequel will ever be produced.
At the Universal Fan Fest Nights, when discussing the possibility of a fourth movie, Gale stated, “Why are they always bringing this up? I guess they believe if they mention it frequently, it might just happen?
Essentially, it seems they’re always expecting questions like, “Bob, when will we see Back to the Future 4?”, or “When will there be a prequel?”, or “When will there be a spinoff?”. However, the answer is consistently, “Never.
Things are good just as they are, and while they’re not flawless, they’re ‘good enough,’ as Bob Zemeckis would put it.
Gale mentioned that it would take substantial persuasion from studio executives for him and Zemeckis to agree on a fourth “Back to the Future” film, and he appreciated that producer Steven Spielberg understands and supports their choice to let the series rest.
The author humorously stated: “If the relentless force of global corporations threatens, ‘Refuse this and we’ll harm your kids’, well, obviously, nobody wants their children harmed… but Steven Spielberg, of course, he needs to approve as well. And Steven, much like he wouldn’t make another E.T., he values that we don’t want any more Back to the Future either.
“He gets it and always stood behind that. And thank you, Steven.”
Although the screen time for “Back to the Future” has concluded, Gale mentioned that the franchise continues to thrive on the stage, with a theatrical adaptation of the initial movie as its latest manifestation.
He mentioned that they have produced “Back to the Future: The Musical,” which is currently being staged in London and is also embarking on a tour across the United States.
Reflecting on the franchise’s 40-year milestone, Gale expressed his pride in having developed a film series that continues to resonate with audiences today.
He pondered: “It’s wonderful to observe the new generation of children who are influenced by this, and think, ‘My parents were once children too.’ I believe this cycle continues because every child eventually reaches that understanding, and we made a film about exactly that. It brings me joy to see people rediscovering it now.
20 Sequels That Were Drastically Different From the Original
Mad Max 2 (1981)
If you haven’t watched the initial Mad Max film, you might find it surprising how different it is from the more recent movies like Mad Max: Fury Road or Furiosa. Unlike the grandiose science-fiction and action-packed spectacles these have become known for, the original was a small-scale Australian production that depicted the decline of society rather than its post-apocalyptic ruins. It lacks the extensive use of science fiction, action sequences, and the elaborate production design typically associated with Mad Max. In fact, Max’s family is still alive for most of the movie.
Many of the elements that are now synonymous with Mad Max were introduced in the sequel, Mad Max 2 (commonly known as The Road Warrior in the U.S.). This film takes place after the world has been devastated, and Max is seen roaming the wasteland in search of gasoline. The action scenes are more intense, the stunts are more daring, and the characters are even more twisted (especially Lord Humungus).
Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
Although Jason Voorhees is now iconically associated with the “Friday the 13th” series due to his hockey mask, it wasn’t until the sequels that he became the murderer at Camp Crystal Lake. In the original “Friday the 13th”, Mrs. Voorhees was revealed as the killer, seeking revenge on the camp counselors for neglecting her son who had drowned in the lake earlier. Interestingly, Jason miraculously survived this incident. It wasn’t until “Friday the 13th Part 2” that Jason donned his hockey mask, initially using a bag with an eye hole as a disguise during his killings. I can’t help but wonder if your mother, Jason, would approve of your public appearance in such attire.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
In the original “Star Trek” film, influences from movies like “Star Wars” and particularly “2001: A Space Odyssey” were just as significant, if not more so, than the classic television series. Director Robert Wise, who wasn’t a fan of “Star Trek”, chose to create something grander and deeper with impressive visual effects by Douglas Trumbull from “2001”. The film was successful at the box office but was generally met with disapproval by both casual and dedicated “Trek” fans. For the sequel, it was decided to blend big-screen spectacle with something more akin to the original series, leading to the naval-themed adventure “The Wrath of Khan”, which reintroduced Ricardo Montalban’s villainous character Khan Noonien Singh on a mission for revenge against Captain Kirk and the Enterprise. The outcome was the most critically acclaimed “Star Trek” production the franchise has ever seen.
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine a successful franchise discarding all its characters and starting anew with different protagonists and antagonists. However, that’s exactly what the third Halloween movie did by jettisoning the relentless killer Michael Myers and his primary victim Laurie Strode. Instead, it presented a chilling but unrelated tale on Halloween, focusing on a doctor (Tom Atkins) trying to thwart a sinister conspiracy involving haunted Halloween masks. Had it succeeded, Halloween III might have initiated a series of standalone Halloween sequels, all sharing only the common theme of October 31. Unfortunately, the movie bombed at the box office, and a few years later, the fourth Halloween film resurrected Michael Myers for more traditional slasher action.
Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)
In the first Rambo film titled “First Blood”, Sylvester Stallone portrays John Rambo, a troubled Vietnam veteran. This movie is a gripping exploration of his character, filled with action, yet it concludes not in victory but with Rambo in police custody after a heartfelt speech about the traumas of war and his personal suffering upon returning to the US. The second installment, “Rambo: First Blood Part II”, is essentially a superhero movie where Rambo, seemingly healed from his mental turmoil, is released from prison to return to Vietnam, rescue American prisoners of war, and do so without wearing a shirt. “First Blood” was successful; “Rambo” was phenomenal, earning over $300 million globally, leading to numerous sequels and countless imitators.
Return to Oz (1985)
As a devoted fan, I’d like to emphasize that it’s not just the passage of time or different creative minds behind “Return to Oz,” which was produced over 45 years after “The Wizard of Oz.” The contrast lies in the fact that “The Wizard of Oz” offers a vibrant, family-friendly adventure despite occasional frightening moments. Conversely, “Return to Oz” is a chilling experience, with Dorothy finding herself back in Oz following a sanatorium ordeal where she was threatened with electroshock therapy. While “The Wizard of Oz” continues to captivate my children and me as a cherished childhood classic, “Return to Oz” is a cult film that appeals to a niche audience – die-hard “Oz” book enthusiasts and horror aficionados who find delight in a seemingly innocent children’s movie that’s this unsettling.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)
Cannon Films asked Tobe Hooper to direct a sequel to his renowned horror film “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” following their successful collaboration on multiple projects. They thought he would create another film similar to the original – dark and gritty with a semi-documentary style. However, Hooper intended to make something more brutal and humorous than the first one. When he showed his version to Cannon for the first time, they were taken aback, as Hooper had explained in an interview for the documentary “Electric Boogaloo.”
Later, the studio embraced the comedic elements, even designing a poster similar to that of the recent teen comedy “The Breakfast Club” for promotion. Although it was not what the audience initially expected, over time its distinctive style has garnered a dedicated cult following. (In essence, Leatherface’s family could have had their own breakfast club; they would have consumed quite different foods compared to Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson.) At first, many viewers were puzzled by “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” – it was not what they anticipated either. But eventually, its unique blend of humor and horror has earned it a devoted fanbase.
Aliens (1986)
According to James Cameron himself, the tale goes that he convinced Fox Studios to let him make an Alien sequel by scribbling “alien” on a sheet of paper, adding an “s” and two vertical lines to create “ALIENS$.” This clever trick secured the job, resulting in one of the most memorable sequels ever made. Interestingly, Cameron’s Aliens was significantly less minimalist and confined compared to Ridley Scott’s original Alien. Known for grandeur rather than intimacy, Cameron delivered a movie teeming with xenomorphs instead of just one H.R. Giger-designed creature.
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
The original “Gremlins” movie, due to its dark and eerie content, prompted the creation of the PG-13 rating by the MPAA. This new classification was intended to fill the gap between family-friendly PG films and mature R-rated ones. In contrast, “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” stirred up no such controversy. For this sequel, director Joe Dante moved away from horror aimed at children towards a more cartoonish style reminiscent of live-action Looney Tunes. Notably, he brought in renowned animator Chuck Jones to create fresh Looney Tunes segments for the film. The Gremlins in this installment were less menacing and far more zany; one even mimicked the character from the movie “Marathon Man” portrayed by Dustin Hoffman. Furthermore, the film’s rebellious spirit was reflected in cameos from figures such as wrestler Hulk Hogan and film critic Leonard Maltin who broke the fourth wall.
Troll 2 (1990)
As a cinephile, let me tell you that “Troll 2” is far from the original “Troll.” Contrary to its name, it wasn’t initially conceived as a sequel at all. It was originally titled “Goblins,” but when an American distributor acquired it, they rebranded it as “Troll 2,” even though it bore no connection to the first film. Surprisingly, this movie lacks trolls altogether!
However, despite the misleading title, “Troll 2” still revolves around mischievous little goblins who wreak havoc on a family that visits the town of Nilbog – which is actually “Goblin” spelled backwards. (Apparently, they didn’t think it necessary to rename the location to Owtllort.) Granted, this wasn’t the film’s only flaw, and it eventually became one of the reasons why “Troll 2” has become a cult classic among lovers of bad movies.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
James Cameron consistently brings a unique twist to his sequels, such as with “Aliens,” where he reimagined Ridley Scott’s “Alien.” In the case of “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” he utilized his own source material and capitalized on his box-office success to secure a massive budget. As a result, this sci-fi franchise transformed from a B-movie production into an A-list spectacle.
T2 offered larger effects, more chases, and more terminators compared to The Terminator – not just Arnold Schwarzenegger’s cyborg in disguise, but also the liquid metal T-1000 portrayed by Robert Patrick. Truly, T2 set a new standard for the series, with each subsequent sequel attempting to emulate it in various ways, save for “Terminator Salvation,” which is essentially a war film set within the dystopian future of the saga and could also be included on this list.
Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)
As a die-hard Highlander fan, let me tell you, the sequel to this beloved franchise, Highlander II, took a drastic turn for the worse. It’s not just that it was a disappointing follow-up; it was one of the most disastrous sequels ever made. The original Highlander was a captivating blend of fantasy and action, centered around an enigma of immortals locked in a timeless battle. However, this sequel swapped historical intrigue for sci-fi elements, turning the first film’s hero, played by Christopher Lambert, into an old man living in a dystopian future. In this new storyline, it was revealed that our immortal characters were actually exiled aliens from a planet called Zeist. Unfortunately, this new backstory didn’t resonate with the original Highlander at all. The plot twist was so poorly received by audiences that later home video releases even edited out every reference to Zeist and aliens altogether.
Army of Darkness (1992)
In simpler terms, “The Evil Dead” was a straightforward horror film. “Evil Dead II” combined gory scenes with slapstick humor reminiscent of the Three Stooges. “Army of Darkness” could be described as a blend of the Three Stooges and Ray Harryhausen’s work. While it still contains traces of intense terror, Sam Raimi primarily used the third “Evil Dead” movie to torment his main actor, Bruce Campbell, and to entertain audiences with extraordinary special effects and ridiculous physical comedy. It’s a lot of fun, and quite distinct from the (equally enjoyable, but much darker) movies that preceded it.
Batman Forever (1995)
In contrast to Tim Burton’s grim and Gothic Batman films, Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever transformed Gotham City into a vibrant, neon-lit metropolis filled with eccentric gangs, Jim Carrey’s maniacal Riddler, Tommy Lee Jones’ equally maniacal Two-Face, Nicole Kidman’s psychiatrist character who had an intense attraction to Batman (played by Val Kilmer), and a slew of villainous cackles that could rival the Guinness World Record. The costumes became increasingly extravagant, and even included a love song during the closing credits (Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose”). The movie was so flamboyant and excessive, it almost seemed like a parody of Tim Burton’s Batman. Remarkably, it outperformed Burton’s Batman Returns at the box office by earning $70 million more. Strange indeed.
Mission: Impossible II (2000)
When John Woo became part of the Mission: Impossible series, he put his unique stamp on it. Tom Cruise transformed from a neatly groomed man who unravels spy mysteries into a dashing character with long hair, dual pistols, and a knack for performing high-speed action sequences in slow motion amidst clouds of doves. Many Mission: Impossible enthusiasts consider M:I-2 to be the weakest installment in the series. Admittedly, it might not live up to the franchise’s usual standards or fan expectations. However, viewed as a classic American John Woo action movie, it delivers quite well.
The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)
In contrast to the initial release of “The Fast and Furious,” which catapulted into popularity later, “The Chronicles of Riddick” was crafted as a grand science fiction vehicle for Vin Diesel. Initially, it received little recognition as a sequel, yet its true identity was indeed a follow-up to the 2000’s movie “Pitch Black.” The earlier film, produced and released prior to “The Fast and Furious,” was essentially a small-scale horror production with an ensemble cast of stranded space travelers (including Diesel’s Riddick) on a planet inhabited by ferocious aliens. With the success of “The Fast and the Furious,” Diesel and director David Twohy seized the opportunity to elevate their aspirations, not just in terms of budget but also the genre, transitioning from survival sci-fi horror to an outer space war epic for the sequel.
The Devil’s Rejects (2005)
In the second installment, “The Devil’s Rejects,” directed by Rob Zombie, we find a significant shift in tone and characterization compared to its precursor, “House of 1000 Corpses.” While the first film was a conventional slasher with a group of teenagers hunted down by a deranged family, the sequel presents this same family as complex anti-heroes. Instead of portraying them as villains, the story now follows their relentless pursuit by the authorities for their past atrocities. Although “The Devil’s Rejects” is dark and gritty, I find it to be a compelling watch. However, given its stark contrast with “House of 1000 Corpses,” it’s not uncommon for fans of the original to express disinterest in its sequel.
Cars 2 (2011)
Sure thing!
Split (2016)
In this unusual scenario, a film deliberately concealed its status as a sequel to create a surprising revelation. The mastermind behind this twist was M. Night Shyamalan, famously known for his plot twists. It wasn’t until the end of ‘Split’ that you discovered its villain, “The Horde,” shared the same fictional world as Bruce Willis’ character David Dunn from Shyamalan’s 2000 superhero tale ‘Unbreakable’. While ‘Unbreakable’ was a moody suspense drama, ‘Split’ leaned more towards horror. The characters from both films were later brought together in the sequel, ‘Glass’, marking the conclusion of this interconnected trilogy.
Bring It On: Cheer or Die (2022)
After numerous sequels of “Bring It On” maintaining its humorous spirit, producers switched things up with the seventh film, “Cheer or Die”, which delved into horror. This time in the eighth “Bring It On”, let’s take a completely different route – how about a sci-fi version titled “Bring It On: In Space, No One Can Cheer You Scream”? The story revolves around the first cheerleading squad to venture into deep space.
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2025-04-29 18:26