July 3: Back to the Future (1985)

Milestone Years

• 40th Anniversary: July 3, 2025
• 50th Anniversary: July 3, 2035
• 75th Anniversary: July 3, 2060
• 100th Anniversary: July 3, 2085

Inspiration Behind the Movie

Writer Bob Gale was inspired to create *Back to the Future* after discovering his father’s high school yearbook and wondering if they would have been friends. This idea, combined with director Robert Zemeckis’ love for sci-fi and time travel, sparked the creation of the film. It is not based on a true story but explores the universal theme of shaping one’s destiny.

You Might Not Know

• Michael J. Fox filmed during the day for *Family Ties* and shot *Back to the Future* at night.
• Eric Stoltz was originally cast as Marty McFly and replaced after weeks of filming.
• The DeLorean time machine was chosen for its futuristic look, perfect for a 1980s sci-fi story.
• Universal Pictures executives initially disliked the title and wanted to call it *Spaceman from Pluto*.
• It was the highest-grossing film of 1985 and became a pop culture phenomenon that launched a trilogy.

Food Ideas

• “88 mph” chili dogs
• Clock Tower cupcakes
• 1950s-style milkshakes
• Hoverboard-shaped sugar cookies
• Flux Capacitor Jell-O shots (non-alcoholic or spiked)

Ways to Celebrate

• Host a trilogy marathon with themed decorations from the ‘50s, ‘80s, and futuristic 2015.
• Dress as characters like Marty, Doc, or Biff and hold a costume contest.
• Create a time travel trivia game with questions spanning the trilogy.
• Reenact scenes with friends or family using DIY props.
• Take a DeLorean-inspired photo booth snapshot with creative backdrops.

Filming Locations

*Back to the Future* was filmed primarily in California. Hill Valley’s town square was shot on the Universal Studios backlot, which is still visitable today on studio tours. The Twin Pines Mall scenes were filmed at the Puente Hills Mall in City of Industry. Many high school scenes were filmed at Whittier High School.