'Back to the Future' Writer Rules Out Franchise Expansion

"Back to the Future" will never get a sequel, prequel, or spin-off, according to screenwriter Bob Gale.

Rumors circulated after "Cobra Kai" creators discussed adapting the franchise for television, but Gale firmly shut down the possibility.

As co-writer of the original trilogy directed by Robert Zemeckis, Gale told People magazine that continuing the series simply won’t happen.

"Why do they keep bringing this up?" he asked. "Do they think repeating it enough times will make us change our minds?"

"In every interview, people ask: 'When’s "Back to the Future 4" coming?' Never. 'What about a prequel?' Never. 'A spinoff?' Never. The trilogy stands perfectly as it is—not flawless, but as Zemeckis says, 'perfect enough.'"

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While Hollywood executives theoretically hold the power to revive the franchise, Gale emphasized that Steven Spielberg—as executive producer—would need to approve, which remains unlikely.

"Unless corporate America threatens us at gunpoint—metaphorically speaking—we’re not budging," Gale joked.

"Spielberg respects our stance, just as he’s refused sequels for 'E.T.' He understands why 'Back to the Future' should stay untouched—and we’re grateful for that."

Gale has consistently rejected revival talk. Earlier this year, he bluntly told hopeful fans: "When people ask about Part 4? Our answer is clear: Absolutely not."

Should "Back to the Future" Return?

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Released in 1985, the original film follows teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) after he’s hurled into the past by inventor Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd). It became a cultural phenomenon and inspired two sequels.