Few movie trilogies have managed to stay untouched for nearly four decades, but Back to the Future continues to occupy that extremely rare space. The original 1985 film still plays in theaters worldwide during anniversary screenings (this year marks its 40th), while the musical adaptation on the West End and Broadway continues to sell out when it's playing.
That level of cultural stamina doesn’t usually go unnoticed by Hollywood, yet creators Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale have remained firm when it comes to protecting it. Gale has repeatedly stated that there will never be a new film, whether it's a sequel or a reboot.
Still, the franchise hasn’t exactly been frozen in time, having long branched into an animated series, multiple comic runs, and in 2010, a game many fans consider a spiritual Part IV. Telltale’s “Back to the Future: The Game” brought back both Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox, and the format worked so well that it, for many, it became a proof of concept — that the world of BTTF can thrive elsewhere without compromising the films.
That idea is getting a jolt again thanks to Fortnite. The latest event, “Chapter 7: Pacific Break”, introduces Marty McFly into the roster of playable avatars, alongside other iconic fictional characters like The Bride from Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill films. Watch the trailer:
Related: Robert Zemeckis Addresses the Future of ‘Back to the Future’ Franchise
“Purchase the Battle Pass and seek revenge as The Bride, rep the future as Marty McFly, and unlock Fortnite originals like Miles Cross and Cat Holloway…plus a new version of Dark Voyager!” the official description from Fortnite reads.
If Fortnite can generate this much attention with just one character, imagine a modern Back to the Future game built around time-travel mechanics using today’s technology. The Telltale title was episodic and fairly limited by comparison, but a new entry — using open-world systems and player-driven consequences — could go places the films never could.
“Chapter 7: Pacific Break” is the thirty-ninth season of Fortnite Battle Royale. It began on November 29 and will end on March 4.
Would you like to see Back to the Future return in a more official capacity? Share your thoughts in the comments down below!
