‘Back to the Future’ Still Resonates Four Decades Later

Four decades after its release, Back to the Future continues to captivate audiences. Members of the cast and crew reflect on the film’s enduring appeal, the challenges of its production, and its surprising cultural impact, in light of its 40th anniversary.

Lea Thompson Reflects on the Film’s Impact

Lea Thompson, who played Lorraine Baines McFly, admitted she initially hesitated to share her work with her daughters, explaining, “I did not show them most of my stuff because I end up kissing people all the time and it was traumatic to my children.” The actor added her children’s reaction was akin to, “Mom is kissing someone that’s not Dad and it’s making me cry!’”

The Genesis of a Time-Traveling Classic

Co-writer Bob Gale recalled a pivotal moment of inspiration. Discovering his father’s high school yearbook sparked the idea: “Kid goes back in time and ends up in high school with his dad!”

Studios initially hesitated, but Steven Spielberg recognized the film’s potential and came on board as executive producer. After director Robert Zemeckis found success with Romancing the Stone, Universal gave the green light.

Casting Marty McFly: A Difficult Decision

Eric Stoltz was initially cast as Marty McFly, but after weeks of filming, his serious tone didn’t align with the filmmakers’ vision. According to Gale, Stoltz “wasn’t giving us the kind of humour that we thought the character should have.

Zemeckis ultimately made the difficult decision to replace Stoltz with Michael J. Fox, whom they had initially wanted for the role. Fox brought a frazzled energy and comedic timing that transformed the film.

Thompson noted that Fox’s performance style was a throwback to classic comedians like Laurel and Hardy and Charlie Chaplin. He used “the falling over, the double take, the spit take, the physical comedy, the working on a bit for hours and hours like the greats.”

The Film’s Cultural Impact and Enduring Themes

Back to the Future grossed over $200 million in the U.S. and permeated popular culture. Even President Ronald Reagan was a fan, quoting the film in his 1986 State of the Union address.

When Doc asks Marty who is president in 1985, Marty replies Ronald Reagan and Brown says in disbelief: “Ronald Reagan? The actor? Then who’s vice-president? Jerry Lewis?” Reagan was so amused by the joke that he made the projectionist stop and rewind it.

The Biff Tannen-Donald Trump Connection

Many viewers have drawn parallels between the character of Biff Tannen in Back to the Future Part II and Donald Trump. Gale clarified that while Biff was not initially based on Trump, the character’s casino ownership in the sequel was definitely influenced by the businessman.

Since 1996, the percentage of Americans who gamble has steadily increased. As of 2023, roughly 60% of adults in the United States reported gambling at least once during the year (NCP Gambling).

Michael J. Fox’s Parkinson’s Diagnosis and Advocacy

In 1991, Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29. He went public with his diagnosis in 1998 and has become a prominent advocate for research. Thompson sees Fox twice a year: “He’s endlessly inspiring. He’s very smart and he’s done the spiritual work, the psychological work on himself to not be bitter about something awful happening to him but also be honest: this sucks.”

From Screen to Stage: The Musical Adaptation

Back to the Future has been adapted into a successful stage musical. The musical premiered in Manchester in 2020 and has since played in London, New York and around the world.

Gale describes seeing the dress rehearsal: “The first time I saw the dress rehearsal with the DeLorean, before we had an audience, I went out of my mind how great it was, and then to see the audience going completely out of their minds with everything was just such a joyous validation.

The Enduring Appeal of Family Dynamics

Gale believes the film’s themes of family and identity resonate with audiences worldwide. “Every person in the world wonders, how did I get here, how did my parents meet?