Almost 2 Years On, This Back To The Future 4 Concept Trailer Still Genuinely Makes Me Wish The Sequel Was Real
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Back to the Future remains one of the most beloved trilogies of all time. The time-traveling franchise, which began in 1985, has become an iconic piece of pop culture history. The original Back to the Future is widely considered one of the best movies of the 1980s and one of the greatest time travel films ever made. Across all three films, the franchise masterfully utilizes time travel, and its iconic time machine, the DeLorean, is arguably the most recognizable movie car in history.
Despite its massive popularity, Back to the Future 4 never materialized, and the possibility of a reboot seems unlikely, given that creators Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale have firmly opposed it. Still, many fans, including myself, can’t help but dream about another installment in the franchise. A concept trailer for Back to the Future 4, released nearly two years ago, has only intensified that longing.
Back To The Future 4’s Concept Trailer Explained
An Absolutely Epic Concept Trailer
The YouTube channel Smasher created a stunning concept trailer for what a Back to the Future 4 film might look like, and it’s enough to make any fan wish the sequel were real. The trailer masterfully combines footage from various sources, including movies and TV shows, to craft a compelling vision of a potential fourth film. One of the standout moments in the trailer features footage of Michael J. Fox from the 2019 film See You Yesterday, discussing the concept of time travel. This inclusion perfectly fits the Back to the Future legacy, making it feel like a genuine sequel teaser.
Perhaps the most emotional aspect of the concept trailer is simply seeing Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd together again, even if the footage is repurposed. Their characters, Marty McFly and Doc Brown, remain two of the most beloved in cinematic history, and imagining them returning for a Back to the Future 4 is thrilling. And, of course, no Back to the Future project would be complete without the DeLorean making a grand entrance. Great Scott! This concept trailer is truly something special.
What Are The Chances Of More Back To The Future?
Hollywood Loves To Tap Into Nostalgia
If there’s one thing Hollywood consistently does, it’s tapping into nostalgia by reviving classic franchises. Over the years, we’ve seen the return of Alien, a successful soft reboot of Scream, and ongoing projects expanding The Lord of the Rings universe. Given this trend, it feels like only a matter of time before Back to the Future continues in some form—whether as a sequel or a full-fledged reboot.
However, continuing the Back to the Future franchise is a particularly tricky challenge due to its deep cultural impact and time-travel premise. While a reboot would provide a fresh start, it would struggle to live up to the original trilogy’s legacy. Director Robert Zemeckis has acknowledged that Universal occasionally checks in with him about a potential sequel, which suggests there’s always a possibility, however slim.
Why Back To The Future 4 Would Be Better Than A Reboot
Legacy Sequels Are More Successful
The year 2015 marked a turning point for older franchises making successful returns with the rise of the “legacy sequel.” Star Wars: The Force Awakens demonstrated just how well this concept can work, sparking a wave of similar projects. Since then, we’ve seen The Matrix, Top Gun, Blade Runner, and The Karate Kid receive new installments featuring original cast members while appealing to a new generation of fans. A Back to the Future 4 could follow this same approach.
If the right story were found, a Back to the Future 4 would be a far better option than a reboot. The franchise’s characters hold a special place in pop culture history, making it difficult to imagine new actors replacing them. However, with Michael J. Fox having retired from acting in 2020 due to his Parkinson’s battle, continuing the story without Marty McFly presents a challenge. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Fox expressed that he would consider returning to acting under the right circumstances, stating, “If something came up that I could put my realities into it—my challenges—if I could figure it out.”
While Fox doesn’t owe fans anything, his return would be a monumental moment for the franchise. Meanwhile, Christopher Lloyd has openly expressed interest in reprising his role, telling Variety, “I would love to do a sequel… If somebody has a brilliant idea that would justify a fourth film, it might happen.”
Ultimately, if Back to the Future were ever to return, a sequel should be the priority over a remake. Until then, fans can only dream—and rewatch that incredible concept trailer.
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