Alternate Back to the Future script takes Marty to 1967
While the memory of Back to the Future Day may fade, the magic of the time-traveling adventures of Marty McFly and Doc Brown remains firmly rooted in the hearts of fans. The legacy of the franchise is being celebrated this week as screenwriter Bob Gale releases new material that invites us to re-examine the history of this iconic film series.
Gale, the brilliant mind who co-created the story with director Robert Zemeckis, has unearthed a treasure trove for movie lovers by releasing an annotated edition of the original Back to the Future screenplay. This updated version provides a fascinating layer of insight into the creative process, filled with Gale’s own annotations, film stills, and concept art that bring the production’s history to life.
But the exploration doesn’t stop at the original script. For those who always wondered what might have happened if the story took a turn, an alternate version of Back to the Future Part II is also available. This alternate sequel takes the familiar characters on a wildly different adventure, offering a glimpse into a timeline that is entirely unexpected.
In this alternate scenario, the journey doesn’t end in the future, but instead takes Marty and Doc back to the vibrant, countercultural setting of 1967. This timeline is packed with a distinctly different atmosphere, introducing hippies, motorcycle rides, and the kind of unusual, experimental adventures that Doc Brown might have concocted in the past.
The changes ripple throughout the narrative. George and Lorraine McFly embrace a bohemian lifestyle, and Doc Brown is seen experimenting with substances like LSD while riding a motorcycle. Mr. Strickland finds a new connection to Biff, Goldie Wilson serves as Marty’s attorney, and the roles of Dave and Linda McFly and Old Man Peabody take on much larger, more central parts. Even the ultimate destination for Doc Brown is a surprising twist, avoiding the typical setting of the Old West.
This alternate screenplay is available through The Stunt List, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting screenwriters. It offers a refreshing alternative for fans eager to explore the boundless possibilities of the time-travel genre.
In addition to the alternate sequel, Gale’s comprehensive book, Back to the Future: The Complete Screenplay, offers deep dives into the original story, running 348 pages and including officially licensed pocket calendars for 1985 and 2027. It’s a perfect opportunity to revisit the script that started it all and discover the rich, untold history behind the cinematic masterpiece.
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