Film franchise will be celebrated with merchandise, a new YouTube series and new content.

License Global

October 25, 2019

2 Min Read

Universal is traveling back in time to celebrate the 35th anniversary of beloved ‘80s classic “Back to the Future.”  

Kicking off on the fan-created anniversary of Oct. 21, the date captured in the film when Marty McFly traveled to 2015, the “Back to the Future” anniversary program will see a host of products hit store shelves across several categories as well as theatrical re-releases, anniversary celebrations, digital content and more.

On Tuesday, YouTube Originals and Ample Entertainment launched a new learning series, “Could You Survive the Movies,” which explores the magic and science of film classics with host Jake Roper. The series’ first episode steps into the 1985 classic time-travelling film.

“Could you Survive the Movies?” is available via YouTube.com/Learning and the Vsauce3 YouTube channel.

New partners for “Back to the Future” include Playmobil, which has created a collection of characters and vehicles including Marty McFly, Dr. Emmett Brown, the DeLorean Time Machine and more. The line is due out in May 2020. Funko has signed on for a range of POP! figures. Ravensburger will develop a new themed board game, while Classic Stills will create collectible movie prints. Other surprises to be announced later will include Hasbro, Mattel, 3D Retro Collectibles and more.

The “Back to the Future” publishing program will expand with new novelty formats from Running Press and Insight Editions. IDW Publishing will release a new comic series. The new items will add to the fan-favorites including Back to the Future: DeLorean Time MachineOwner's Workshop Manual, Back to the Future: The Ultimate Visual History, William Shakespeare’s Get Thee Back to the Future, Back to the Future: The Classic Illustrated Storybook and more.

A lifestyle collection of apparel and accessories will launch in partnership with Criminal Damage, Box Lunch, Dumbgood, Haus of JR, Hot Topic, Just Hype, Primark, Suavecito, Super 7, Zara and more.

Costumes will be developed by Rubies and FUN.com beyond Halloween. Universal has also teamed with the Otis School of Design once again for a “Back to the Future” collection designed by students, presented in spring 2020 at the annual scholarship and benefit fashion show.

New theatrical events are set to be announced.

In 2020, the “Back to the Future” trilogy in 4K will debut, and a themed musical directed by Tony Award winner John Rando will kick off in February 2020. The musical will feature a book by the film's co-creator and co-writer Bob Gale, and will offer fans new music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri, composer of the original film’s score.

The film’s 35th anniversary will also be commemorated by Universal Parks & Resorts and various retail partners. For more information, visit the “Back to the Future” page on Facebook.

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License Global

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