"I am writing to you in that I feel I can be of some assistance to you and your site on matters such as the Back to the Future Trilogy. First let me tell you, I have been a frequent visitor and I commend you on your efforts as they can very much show. It is a wonderful site that I look forward to visiting in the future."

"Anyway, the reason I state that I hope I may be of some assistance is that a friend of mine works at Universal, who has been very helpful in the past. I recently spoke with my friend and he/she was able to let me tell you some information that may be helpful or news you may already have heard. Nevertheless, the following is just information he/she already knows up front:"

• SEQUELS: As for now, plans for a rumored sequel are in jeopardy due to the fact of Mr. Fox's illness and inability to act as daily routine. In my opinion, I doubt that a sequel would be filmed. However, keep in mind, I still have many sources to rely on.

• NEW RIDES: No "new" footage is planned. As for the ride opening in Japan, it will a duplication of the other two. In addition, no special events are planned for the grand opening.

• DVDs: The exact release date is unknown, however, expect an early 2001 release. The studios are having a debate over license issues concerning the Eric Stoltz dilemma. The content, however, you have presented previously on your site is very accurate.

As I said, this isn't any earth-shattering news, but if the scooper's information is correct, there are some very interesting details here.  First of all, I have no doubt whatsoever that the circumstances this year regarding Michael J. Fox has indeed caused plans for BTTF4 to halt, at least for now.  If true, this would certainly explain why Universal & Amblin never made the announcement regarding a planned sequel back in January as we had been previously told there would be.  This would be the first time though that anyone at Universal has admitted to plans for a sequel, so that's interesting within itself.

In addition, I've been confident all along that the details we've been given regarding the DVDs were completely accurate, but it's great to have another supposed insider confirm this information.  I do find it quite interesting that the scooper claims that talks regarding the Stoltz rights continue to be hashed out, as I thought all this had already been resolved long ago.  I do hope to learn some specifics regarding this very soon.  Today marks three years to the day that Universal first announced in a press release that Back to the Future was coming out on DVD, but I suspect we'll be hearing an official release date very soon.

Finally, the information regarding new footage for the Rides certainly contradicts what we've been told elsewhere.  Even employees at the park seem to be under the impression that brand new footage is in the works.  According to the following report filed by BTTF.com staffer Kristen Sheley, who is currently in Orlando on temporary assignment, representatives at the park are admitting that a new ride is coming, but aren't divulging any details:

"About all I learned in today's visit to Universal's Island's of Adventure was that they are keeping the new BTTF Ride film under tight wraps.  Shortly before I left, I ran into one of those informates that stands around and answers questions near the front of the park — and was just about the only Universal employee I saw who was smiling and friendly."

"Anyway, I made some comment about missing the BTTF Ride, since it was over at the other park, and we got on that topic.  I mentioned how cool it would be if it was like the Spiderman ride (which was quite impressive, with 3-D effects), then told him I'd heard that they were working on a new film for the BTTF Ride.  The guy confirmed that it was true, but when I pressed him for additional details, like how would it be different, when would it be out, he just said, "I can't say," and offered nothing else.  Hmmmmm.  I then tested his supposed trivia knowledge by asking him why Michael J. Fox wasn't on the BTTF ride, and his answer was surprisingly on the mark.  (My knowledge then impressed him enough that he said I should work there.)"

"I did mention to him about the 15th Anniversary of the original film, which took him by surprise, and caused him to ask if the fans were doing anything in celebration for it.  I then went off for about a minute about the FutureFest problems with USH and he seemed rather surprised with that, since USF apparently has fan conventions with some frequency.  But I guess the BTTF Ride is still one of the most popular ones they have, even with all the new stuff.  I'm not surprised about that."

Given this brief testimony, it would seem that there are indeed plans to replace the extisting footage with brand new material.  Perhaps our new scooper's source just isn't as knowledgable in this area as the others (It's been my experience that there's no one person at Universal that knows all there is to know about a franchise's developments in all departments).  But if they are correct in that there won't be any new footage next year, then why are employees at the parks saying otherwise?  Regardless, I'm sure that further details will emerge in the coming months ahead regarding this, one way or the other.  Stay tuned.  [Thanks to "Doubledash" and "Future Girl" for their reports!]

Zemeckis to use powers on the future

In their July 2000 issue, Premiere magazine (page 43) asked 20 celebrities the following question:  If You Were A Superhero, What Would Your Power Be?  Interestingly enough, Robert Zemeckis replied, "To see the future.  Then I would make all the right decisions."  Hey Bob — if we could all see another Future, you'd definitely be making the right decision!

— Stephen Clark

Got a scoop? We're always looking for credible inside sources with information regarding the Back to the Future franchise. Your anonymity is guaranteed, so tell us what you know!

BACKTALK BACKLOG:

June 23, 2000 June 13, 2000 May 23, 2000 May 19, 2000 May 17, 2000