Latest news with #UniversalFanFestNights
New York Post
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Back to the Future' screenwriter goes off over incessant spinoff rumors — reveals only way it would happen
You'll have to time travel in the DeLorean to relive 'Back to the Future.' According to franchise screenwriter Bob Gale, there won't be any more films following up the 1985 classic, the 1989 sequel 'Back to the Future Part II' and 1990's 'Back to the Future Part III.' After the 'Cobra Kai' finale featured an Easter egg that alluded to a television adaptation of the franchise, Gale, 73, who co-wrote and produced all three projects alongside co-creator Robert Zemeckis, shut down all speculation. Advertisement 9 Bob Gale attends Universal Fan Fest Nights Opening Night Event. Getty Images for Universal Studios Hollywood 'I don't know why they keep talking about that!' the writer exclaimed while at Universal Fan Fest Nights on Friday, per People. 'I mean, do they think that if they say it enough times, we're going to actually do it?' 'I mean, it's like they know in every interview people say, 'Oh Bob, when is there going to be a 'Back to the Future 4″?' Gale continued. 'Never. 'When is there going to be a prequel?' Never. 'When is there going to be a spinoff?' Never. It's just fine the way it is. It's not perfect, but as Bob Zemeckis used to say, 'It's perfect enough.'' Advertisement If another project in the franchise were to occur, it would take a lot of convincing for the film producer. 9 Bob Gale, Dean Cundey and Charles Croughwell attend the screening for 'Back to the Future' during the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival. Getty Images for TCM 9 Bob Gale speaks onstage at the screening for 'Back to the Future' during the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival. Getty Images for TCM 'If the juggernaut of corporate America or corporate international mishigas says, 'If you don't agree to this, we're going to kill your children,' alright, well, no, we don't want our children killed,'' teased Gale. 'But Steven Spielberg, of course, he's got to sign off on it, too. And Steven, just like Steven won't allow another 'E.T.,' he totally respects the fact that we don't want any more 'Back to the Future.' He gets it and always stood behind that. And thank you, Steven.' Advertisement What the 'Back to the Future' cast — including Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson and Crispin Glover — have created is more than enough for Gale. 'What's so great is seeing the next generation of kids that are being touched by this and [say], 'Gee, my parents were once kids,'' he gushed. 'That's why I think it keeps on going, because every kid comes to that realization at some point, and we made a movie about that. So I love the fact that people are newly discovering it.' 9 Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd in 'Back to the Future.' Universal Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection Although there are zero plans for a prequel, sequel or television show, the sci-fi adventure made its mark on Broadway with 'Back to the Future: the Musical.' Advertisement The show opened on Broadway in August 2023 after it debuted in London's West End. The play went on to win the Laurence Olivier Award for best new musical in 2022. The musical finished its Broadway run in January 2025 with 500 performances and $80 million worth of ticket sales, per producers. But the show is far from over. 9 Claudia Wells and Michael J. Fox in the sci-fi film. ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection In the last episode of 'Cobra Kai,' two men — the show's co-creators, Josh Heald and Jon Hurwitz — discussed the possibility of doing a 'Back to the Future' series at a bar. 'So the show would be set in Hill Valley, alternate 1985,' Hurwitz explained. 'All we need are Wilson, Thompson and Zane, and we've got the green light.' 9 Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox in 'Back to the Future.' ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection 'Billy's a friend,' Heald responded. 'Guy did an art piece for my foyer. It's an easy call to make. I feel like why not get Crispin, too? Maybe Mike to direct? We can blow this thing up.' The exchange wasn't meant to be a reveal of anything in the works. Advertisement 'That's just us having fun,' Hurwitz told People at SCAD TVfest in February. 'We know that the 'Back to the Future' franchise is something that's very closely guarded — and for good reason. If they ever decided they wanted to have a sequel series, then we'd be all-in.' Meanwhile, this isn't the first time Gale has made it clear that he isn't looking to revive the time travel franchise with a fourth film. 9 Michael J. Fox in 'Back to the Future.' ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection The comic book writer jokingly told Yahoo Entertainment in February, 'People always say, 'When are you going to do 'Back to the Future 4?' And we say, 'F – – k you.'' Advertisement These days, Gale is helping Fox, 63, write a book about his experience as the titular character, time traveler Marty McFly, in the movie. 9 Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox in 'Back to the Future.' ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection The book is set to be titled 'Future Boy,' but no other details have been disclosed. In 2023, Fox told Variety that there's no need for a 'Back to the Future' reboot, but teased: 'Do what you want. It's your movie. I got paid already.' Advertisement 'I don't think it needs to be,' the actor admitted. 'I think [Zemeckis has] been really smart about that. I don't think it needs rebooting because are you going to clarify something? You're going to find a better way to tell the story? I doubt it.' 9 'Back to the Future.' ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection Zemeckis, 72, also chimed in on if Universal Pictures ever asks him to make 'Back to the Future 4.' In October, he said during the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast that the studio checks in 'every six months,' which was 'just an exaggeration.' Advertisement 'You know, we have to say, 'There are different things that might work.' Something like that, you know? But to remake the movie or to suggest that there's a 'Back to the Future 4,' it just isn't in the cards,' Zemeckis shared. 'I would like to do the 'Back to the Future: the Musical' [movie]. I would love to do that. I think that would be great. I floated that out to the folks at Universal. They don't get it. So, [there's] nothing I can do.' The original film is just three months away from a major milestone — celebrating its 40th anniversary in July.
Perth Now
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Back to the Future 4 will ‘never' happen, writer Bob Gale insists
Screenwriter Bob Gale has once again insisted a fourth 'Back to the Future' movie will 'never' happen. The 73-year-old scribe - who created the beloved sci-fi trilogy with director Robert Zemeckis, 72 - has long stressed the 'Back to the Future' series is over, and has now emphasised that neither a prequel nor sequel will ever go ahead. Speaking at Universal Fan Fest Nights about a possible fourth film, Gale said: 'I don't know why they keep talking about that! I mean, do they think that if they say it enough times, we're going to actually do it? 'I mean, it's like they know in every interview people say, 'Oh Bob, when is there going to be a 'Back to the Future 4'?' Never. 'When is there going to be a prequel?' Never. 'When is there going to be a spinoff?' Never. 'It's just fine the way it is. It's not perfect, but as Bob Zemeckis used to say, 'It's perfect enough.'' Gale added it would involve some serious convincing from studio higher-ups for him and Zemeckis to budge on a fourth 'Back to the Future' movie, though was thankful that Steven Spielberg 'totally respects' their decision to leave the franchise be. The writer joked: 'If the juggernaut of corporate America or corporate international mishigas says, 'If you don't agree to this, we're going to kill your children', alright, well, no, we don't want our children killed. 'But Steven Spielberg, of course, he's got to sign off on it, too. And Steven, just like Steven won't allow another 'E.T.', he totally respects the fact that we don't want any more 'Back to the Future'. 'He gets it and always stood behind that. And thank you, Steven.' While 'Back to the Future's time on the screen may have come to an end, Gale added the franchise was still alive and well on the theatre stage with the musical adaptation of the first film. He said: 'We've made 'Back to the Future: The Musical,' which is still playing in London, it's on a U.S. tour. 'We just opened it in Tokyo in Japanese, and they're just as crazy, or crazier, over there about that whole 'Back to the Future' as anywhere else. 'So, I mean, I'm humbled and blown away by the fact that Bob and I came up with something that has this much staying power.' Looking back at the franchise as it celebrates its 40th anniversary, Gale said he was proud to have created such a beloved film series that remains popular to this day. He reflected: 'What's so great is seeing the next generation of kids that are being touched by this and [say], 'Gee, my parents were once kids.' 'That's why I think it keeps on going, because every kid comes to that realization at some point, and we made a movie about that. So I love the fact that people are newly discovering it.' 'Back to the Future' - which starred Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover and Thomas F. Wilson - follows Marty McFly who accidentally travels back to 1955 in a time machine built by eccentric scientist Dr. 'Doc' Emmett Brown, and must ensure his parents fall in love to avoid erasing his own existence. The 1985 movie was followed by 'Back to the Future: Part II' in 1989, with the trilogy concluding a year later with 'Back to the Future: Part III'.
Buzz Feed
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Universal Studios Is Launching A "Fan Fest Nights" For The First Time, And I Am So, So, So, So Ready To Geek Out
If you're a fan of Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights (like yours truly) and ALSO geeky culture (also like yours truly), then I have wonderful news for you. Universal Fan Fest Nights is a new, limited-time, seasonal event that's launching on April 25 (exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood), and it's basically going to be Halloween Horror Nights meets Comic-Con. From the creators of Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Fan Fest Nights will feature all-new, uniquely curated, and immersive experiences inspired by sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and anime throughout the park on select nights from April 25 to May 18, 2025. And here's exactly what you can expect: First off, there's " Star Trek: Red Alert," a fully immersive walk-through experience where you'll get to actually walk onto a screen-used set. What it is: Inspired by the Star Trek universe, this daring walk-through experience will boldly take guests on an immersive adventure aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D. You'll go on a mission to prevent an interstellar threat and be transported to the year 2403, just as an otherworldly entity wreaks havoc on the ship. As the chaos ensues, you'll venture further into the Enterprise, navigating familiar Star Trek environments, from the ship's engineering room to transporter pads to the soul of the Starship Enterprise, the bridge — an original set piece featured in the third and final season of Star Trek: Picard — in a desperate quest to stop the perceived danger and restore peace aboard the ship. Next (and the one I'm most excited about), is " Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley," which will take you to the Universal backlot courthouse square where they actually filmed the movie! What it is: This nostalgic experience is based on the 1985 Back to the Future blockbuster movie and invites guests to time travel back to 1955 Hill Valley alongside the film's iconic characters. Time travel begins the moment guests climb aboard the Studio Tour 'Fan Tram' and venture towards Courthouse Square, the original filming location for this classic film located on Universal Studios' world-famous backlot. Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley will pay homage to this groundbreaking film by inserting guests into many familiar scenes with iconic props. From Hill Valley with the original Lyon Estate monuments to the Time Machine on display, guests will have the sensation of going back in time as they partake in the energetic recreation of the Enchantment Under the Sea dance and Hill Valley Festival, plus experience a stunning recreation of the Clock Tower lightning strike, sending Marty back to the future multiple times each event night. Then there's "Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep," another walk-through experience, this time featuring an original creation from Jim Henson's Creature Shop. What it is: Inspired by the World's Greatest Roleplaying Game™ (Yes, this is actually trademarked!), Dungeons & Dragons, this epic experience will welcome you to partake in a one-of-a-kind adventure and explore the fantastic world of D&D. You'll join the Harpers — a heroic spy network — to foil a plot by the legendary beholder Xanathar and save the city of Waterdeep. In creating this unique experience, Universal Studios Hollywood is collaborating with the iconic Jim Henson's Creature Shop to create the legendary beholder Xanathar that will come to life within DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep. Now, for anime fans, there's " One Piece: Grand Pirate Gathering," which will be one of the "Fan Zone" experiences (think of it like the "Scare Zones" during HHN). What it is: This unique experience is inspired by the long-running global hit anime series, One Piece, from creator Eiichiro Oda, which follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Crew, including Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji, on their quest to find 'One Piece,' the legendary treasure of the former King of the Pirates, Gol D. Roger. The Grand Pirate Gathering will transport guests into the series' fictional world of pirates through an immersive and interactive experience, complete with iconic visuals and scenic environments that place fans at the heart of the action. Guests will also have time to enjoy uplifting meet-and-greet opportunities with different characters and as well as participate in themed interactive photo ops. ...and also " Jujutsu Kaisen: Hunger of the Cursed," a film-based experience. What it is: This anime experience, inspired by a widely popular Japanese manga and its anime adaptation, follows high school student Yuji Itadori after he accidentally becomes the host of a powerful curse and joins Tokyo Jujutsu High School, an organization that fights the curses. This epic adventure will be transformed into an exciting film-based experience, which first debuted at Universal Studios Japan. And if you're as obsessed with Super Nintendo World as the rest of, well, the world is, you'll be VERY excited to hear you'll finally get a chance to meet Yoshi during the fest at Super "Nintendo World: Let's Go, Yoshi!" What it is: "Super Nintendo World: Let's Go, Yoshi" is a fun addition to Super Nintendo World. It will mark the debut of beloved fan favorite Yoshi as a brand new meet-and-greet character within the land during Universal Fan Fest Nights. As part of Yoshi's welcome to the land, you'll have a chance to interact with Yoshi as you engage in a scavenger hunt to locate all five colorful Yoshi eggs. After completing this original quest, you'll reap a special reward with the unique opportunity to meet a different colored Yoshi!!! And look out for celebratory drone moments that will illuminate the night sky throughout the evening. Finally, even The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is getting some fun new additions for Fan Fest. What it is: During the event, you'll have a chance to further engage in this immersive land with all-new magical creature interactions, including the opportunity to meet the Niffler, a Baby Dragon, and grand Occamy. There will also be a new (to Hollywood) "Hogwarts Always" light projection show designed to take you on a whimsical journey through a school year at Hogwarts. And, of course, there will be a ton of NEW food (and merch) during the event. Here's a look at just a few of the tasty treats you can try... Like this almost-too-cool-to-eat "Outatime Cookie" from Back to the Future: These savory and very logical "Vulcan Fritters" from Star Trek: This adorable "Chopper Cupcake" from One Piece: And this fierce "Yuji Cupcake" from Jujutsu Kaisen: This savory and magical "Hogwarts Meat Pie" from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: And this suuuuuper cute "Yoshi's Apple Melon Smoothie" from Super Nintendo World: And here's a quick video to get a look at even more treats: @crystalrodraws Taste testing at the Universal Fan Fest Nights food and merch preview!! #universalfanfestnights #supernintendoworld #harrypotter #startrek #backtothefuture @Universal Studios Hollywood ♬ Walking Around - Instrumental Version - Eldar Kedem @crystalrodraws So, if you're ready to geek the heck out, visit Universal Fan Fest Nights to purchase tickets NOW. The event's dates are April 25-27, May 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18, 2025.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Universal Studios Hollywood Introduces New After-Hours Fan Fest Nights
Universal Studios Hollywood is expanding its roster of seasonal after-hours franchises with Universal Fan Fest Nights. The new separately-ticketed event is designed to transport fans and guests into unique immersive in-world experiences distinct from those on offer during normal park hours. More from Deadline Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park, Magic Mountain Closed Today Amid Fierce Los Angeles Wildfires, Extreme Winds Universal Hollywood Expands Popular After-Hours Events With "Fan Fest Nights" Dedicated To 'Star Trek,' 'Back To The Future,' 'Dungeons & Dragons' Halloween Horror Nights: Universal Studios Hollywood Reveals All New The Weeknd, Blumhouse & Texas Chainsaw-Themed Attractions Launching exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Fan Fest Nights comes from the creators of the park's popular Halloween Horror Nights creators. Universal Fan Fest Nights will feature all new, uniquely curated experiences inspired by sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and anime. Among the worlds from which the event will draw are those of Star Trek, Back to the Future, Dungeons & Dragons, One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen. The celebration will include interactive activations throughout the theme park, including live entertainment, cosplay and photo opportunities. Additionally, theme park favorites The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World will offer special experiences and introduce new character and interactive elements during Fan Fest Nights. Tickets are now on sale for the inaugural event which takes place April 25-27; May 2-4, 9-11 and 16-18, 2025. Best of Deadline How to Watch The 67th Annual Grammy Awards Online And With Cable 'A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms': Everything We Know About The 'Game Of Thrones' Prequel, Including Plot, Premiere Date & Whether George R.R. Martin Is Involved 2025 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Oscars, Spirits, Grammys, Tonys, Guilds & More
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Universal Studios Hollywood salutes 'Back to the Future' and more during fan nights
Imagine walking around Hill Valley in 1955, just like Michael J. Fox did when he played time traveler Marty McFly in the 1985 classic 'Back to the Future.' Fans can now live that dream. As part of Universal Fan Fest Nights, attendees will step off a tram and walk around Courthouse Square in Universal's backlot, a "Back to the Future" filming site. Tickets for the after-hours event went on sale Wednesday morning at this link at Universal Studios Hollywood officials talked about the Fan Fest Nights during a media presentation Tuesday outside the theme park at Universal Cinemas. Universal Fan Fest Nights include immersive experiences saluting various movies and genres in Universal Studios Hollywood's upper lot. The nights, set for April 25-27 and May 2-4, 9-11 and 16-28, will feature 'Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley,' 'Star Trek: Red Alert,' 'Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep,' 'Jujutsu Kaisen: Hunger of the Cursed,' 'One Piece: Grand Pirate Gathering,' and special additions to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World. Universal Studios Hollywood's success with its Halloween Horror Nights inspired the theme park to create Fan Fest Nights to immerse Universal guests into other genres, said Stephen Siercks, senior director for entertainment production at the theme park and executive producer of the fan fest evenings. Special cuisine and merchandise will debut in time for the nights. During " Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley, " visitors will board a tram to the backlot's Courthouse Square. Fans will participate in the Enchantment Under the Sea dance, seen in the first movie when Marty found himself in 1955. There will also be re-enactments of the Clock Tower lightning strike that sent Marty back to 1985. 'When we were looking for ways to celebrate sci-fi, there was no better fit for us at Universal than 'Back to the Future,'' Siercks said. 'What better way to celebrate that franchise than to be able to bring guests to the place where it actually happened and recreate the iconic environment and moments from 1955?' Siercks told the USA Today Network in the Directors Lounge at Universal Cinemas. The Universal Fan Fest Nights executive producer stood near tables with the foods inspired by 'Back to the Future' and the other genres. 'Back to the Future' inspired Universal Studios Hollywood to create dishes such as the Flux Capacitor Patty Melt, Doc Brown's Chicken Pot Pie, the Time Traveler's Milk Shake and the Outatime Cookie, which comes complete with an edible version of the personalized "Outatime" license plate from Doc's Delorean. Julia Thrash, vice president of culinary and executive chef at the theme park, said Universal designed dishes similar to what you'd expect in a 1950s diner, hence the Time Machine Melt, which features pastrami. Fans of 'Star Trek: Picard' will get to go on the Enterprise-D bridge set that was used during the filming of the Paramount+ series' third and final season, 'Star Trek: Red Alert.' But there's a story connected to the experience. Guests have been invited on a tour of the Enterprise-D at the Starfleet museum depicted on 'Picard.' They will enter through a recreation of the Enterprise-D shuttle bay, Siercks said. Suddenly, there's a red alert, and uniformed Starfleet officers go into action. 'An otherworldly being wreaks havoc on the ship, allowing us to go deeper and deeper into the ship, into sick bay, engineering, the transporter room,' Siercks said. He added Paramount Pictures, which produces the 'Star Trek' franchise, has been 'an amazing partner' in providing its expertise to make the experience authentic. New Universal Studios Hollywood dishes inspired by 'Star Trek' include Vulcan Fritters, Klingon Targ Legs, and the Tribble Truffle Trio, a treat featuring chocolate and butterscotch. The trio comes in the gray coffee cup that Capt. James T. Kirk (William Shatner) held in 'The Trouble with Tribbles,' said Thrash, the executive chef. In the original Star Trek series episode, Kirk discovers a Tribble in his cup when he retrieves it from the food processor in the recreation room. Drinks inspired by 'Star Trek' include a vodka-based, blue Romulan ale, Thrash told the USA Today Network. Universal Studios Hollywood also created the Ceti Eel Margarita, which Thrash said came from the planet Ceti Alpha 5 in the 1982 film "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." The small eel on top of the drink is a gummy. Jim Henson's Creature Shop has teamed with Universal Studios Hollywood to create Xanathar in 'Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep.' Fans will join the Harpers, a spy network, to foil Xanathar's plot and save the city of Waterdeep. 'Dungeons & Dragons' inspired Fireball, the theme park's new spherical chocolate cake that is jazzed up with pop rocks as part of the topping. Other foods include Traveler's Rations and the Beholder's Brew Fondue. Drinks are Goodberry and the Eldritch Blast. The anime series 'One Piece' inspired this experience, which follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Crew, including Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji. They're off to find One Piece, a treasure of Gol D. Roger, the former King of the Pirates. The adventure-inspired cuisine includes Chopper Cupcake and Nico Robin's Tropical Iced Tea. The experience is inspired by the Japanese manga 'Jujutsu Kaisen' and its anime adaptation. The adventure, which premiered at Universal Studios Japan, follows high school student Yuji Itadori after he inadvertently becomes the host of a powerful curse. The food inspired by the adventure includes Yuji's Chocolate Curse. The popular land at Universal Studios Hollywood will feature a new evening show of projections on its Hogwart Castle. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter show is called 'Hogwarts Always' and depicts a year at the magical school. Guests will also get to interact with fantastic beasts such as Niffler, Baby Dragon, and the Grand Occamy. Thrash said she stuck with British food, such as the Hogwarts Meat Pie and Curry Chicken, for the Potter-inspired cuisine. 'A lot of people don't know curry is British,' the chef said. Fan favorite Yoshi will become a new meet-and-greet character at Super Nintendo World during Fan Fest nights. And guests can go on a scavenger hunt to find all five Yoshi eggs. Cuisine for the "Let's Go, Yoshi" experience is an apple melon smoothie and fettuccine alfredo. Dave Mason covers East County for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at or 805-437-0232. This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Universal Fan Fest Nights takes guests 'Back to the Future' and beyond
