YouTube Originals series and merchandise among activities marking anniversary.
Universal is heading back in time to celebrate 35 years of the Back to the Future movie franchise.
The celebrations – which kicked off on October 21, the date in the film when Marty McFly travels back to the future: October 21, 2015 – will include new merchandise across a variety of categories, theatrical re-releases, digital content and more.
A new YouTube Originals and Ample Entertainment learning series – entitled Could You Survive the Movies – explores the magic and science of cinema’s most iconic pop culture films, including Back to the Future.
In the first episode, host Jake Roper steps into the original 1985 film to find out if you could survive the massive pressure wave generated by a giant guitar amp, time travel paradoxes and the electricity from a lightning bolt travelling through your body… all while desperately trying to get back to the future.
Meanwhile, new toy partner Playmobil has created a collection featuring fan favourite characters and vehicles including Marty, Dr Emmett Brown and the DeLorean Time Machine, launching in May 2020.
Funko POP figures, a new themed board game from Ravensburger, collectable movie prints from Classic Stills, plus other surprises from Hasbro, Mattel, 3D Retro Collectibles and more will debut next summer.
The publishing programme will expand with new novelty formats from Running Press and Insight Editions, while there will be a fresh comic series from IDW Publishing.
A lifestyle collection of apparel and accessories will include fun, retro looks with partners expected to include Criminal Damage, Box Lunch, Dumbgood, Haus of JR, Hot Topic, Primark and Zara among others.
With a nod to the nostalgia trend, Universal has once again partnered with the Otis School of Design for a special Back to the Future collection, designed by students to be presented at the annual scholarship and benefit fashion show in spring 2020.
Fans should also be on the lookout for theatrical events and the debut of the trilogy in 4K from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, as well as a celebration from Turner Classic Movies later in 2020.
Finally, Back to the Future The Musical will open for a 12-week run at the Manchester Opera House on February 20, 2020, while the anniversary will also be commemorated by Universal Parks & Resorts.
Want to read more news like this? Simply sign up to our daily digest by clicking here. You can also follow @LicensingSource on Twitter.
