Back to the Future is perhaps one of the most famous film trilogies in the world, and all in spite of its age to boot. In fact, that age may have something to do with it. After all, the very first film by director Robert Zemeckis and starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly made its theatrical debut all the way back in July 3, 1985. By now, that first film and its two sequels are easily cult classics in their own right.
Thus, it’s no surprise that any news about Back to the Future gets so much attention. This includes something as seemingly pedestrian as a themed billboard promoting Universal Fan Fest Nights. All thanks to Universal Studios Hollywood, who want to promote their event with a billboard featuring a very lucky fan dressed as Marty McFly gazing at his wristwatch in the classic Marty McFly pose featured on the first film’s theatrical release poster. The billboard itself also prominently features the message “Synchronize your watches”. Below that is a timer in the older style used in the film counting down to Universal Fan Fest Nights, which is also just as prominently featured on the billboard.
Why, you might ask? Well, because as part of Universal Fan Fest Nights, Universal Studios Hollywood will feature Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley. According to them:
This nostalgic experience is based on Amblin Entertainment’s Back to the Future blockbuster movie from 1985, and invites guests to time travel back to 1955 Hill Valley alongside some of the film’s iconic characters. Time travel begins the moment guests climb aboard the Studio Tour “Fan Tram” and venture towards Courthouse Square, the original filming location for this classic film located on the Universal Studios world famous backlot.
Brimming with authenticity, Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley will pay homage to this groundbreaking film by inserting guests into many familiar scenes with iconic props. From Hill Valley with the original Lyon Estate monuments to the Time Machine on display, guests will have the sensation of going back in time as they partake in the energetic recreation of the Enchantment Under the Sea dance and Hill Valley Festival plus experience a stunning recreation of the Clock Tower lightning strike, sending Marty back to the future multiple times each event night.
Back to the Future Prominently Featured at Universal Fan Fest Nights
As a huge fan of Back to the Future, this bit of news raised the hype for me up to 1.21 gigawatts. The entire trilogy has been one of my favorite films since childhood, and seeing that people still remember them enough to make entire events around them warms my heart. It will also likely lighten my wallet as well, especially since tickets for Universal Fan Fest Nights are still on sale here. The event will begin on Friday, April 25, 2025 and continues on select nights until Sunday, May 18, 2025; so you have plenty of time to get those tickets and get back in time for the event.
What do you all think? Does seeing that billboard bring back childhood memories for you all? Does it make you want to have a rewatch of Back to the Future for old times’ sake? Let us know in the comments section below.
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