It’s been 40 years since Back to the Future was released in theaters, and the film remains as relevant as ever. Not only that, but the sequels were able to convey the spirit of the original, eventually forming a near-perfect sci-fi trilogy. Stars Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, best known for their leading roles as Marty McFly and Emmett “Doc” Brown, recently commented on the legacy of the franchise, offering their perspective on why it continues to resonate with modern audiences.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original film’s release, Fox and Lloyd spoke to Empire magazine. During the interview, they discussed why they believe Back to the Future has remained relevant. While the quality of the films is often highlighted as the reason for the franchise’s loyal fanbase, the stars also attribute its enduring popularity to its depiction of some real-life issues. In the films, Biff Tannen and his bloodline are great representations of bullies, always trying to take down the McFlys. Fox commented on how the films realistically reflect bully culture, and the experiences of those who try to stand up to them:
“We live in a bully culture right now. We have bullies everywhere — you don’t need me to point the finger at who, but there are all these bullies. In this movie, Biff is a bully. Time is a bully. For me personally, Parkinson’s is a bully. And it’s all about how you stand up to them and the resolve that you take into the fight with them. It’s about your resilience and your courage.
“I think there’s a lot to that right now. I think a lot of people are responding to the movie because it strikes chords they wouldn’t otherwise recognize.”
Lloyd also elaborated on the film’s legacy, and how it still impacts audiences, especially younger viewers, saying, “It continues to amaze me how deeply the Back To The Future films affected young people. It still comes up all the time.”
‘Back to the Future’ Has Aged Perfectly
It’s the humor, the characters, and the thrills that make Back to the Future, throughout its three near-perfect entries, a wonderful world to constantly revisit. The franchise has aged perfectly, and although some jokes don’t land as well as they once did, it’s still as entertaining as ever. Few Hollywood films feel as well-balanced.
Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale’s screenplay perfectly captures the essence of comedy, adventure, and sci-fi. Steven Spielberg’s almost tangible contribution as a producer feels like an essential backdrop. But it’s Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd who stand out the most, and remain the most beloved elements of the entire franchise. Marty McFly and Doc Brown are beloved characters that audiences love to revisit, and who’ve become an indelible part of popular culture. Essentially, they’re the friends we’d all love to have.
- Release Date
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July 3, 1985
- Runtime
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116 minutes
- Director
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Robert Zemeckis
- Producers
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Bob Gale, Frank Marshall, Kathleen Kennedy, Neil Canton
- Sequel(s)
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Back to the Future Part II, Back to the Future Part III