Why today, October 21, is important in Back to the Future

Welcome to the future! Well, that is if your starting point is 1985 and your friend, an eccentric scientist called Emmett ‘Doc’ Brown, recently pitched up at your front door claiming that you need to join him on another adventure. If that is the case, then you’ve just landed in 2015, on October 21.

Yes, I’m obviously referring to ‘Back to the Future Part II’, which took us on another exhilarating journey through time, bringing us to this date that became synonymous with the future in pop culture. The film, released in 1989, was the second instalment in the iconic ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy directed by Robert Zemeckis. As a young boy who wore out the tape on the VHS cassettes back in the day with endless viewings, I thought it the perfect opportunity to reflect on some of the tech advances and other aspects that were predicted for 2015 from those that put the movie together. Let’s take a journey back in time...

Back to the Future II: predictions

The Hoverboard Hype

One of the most memorable and futuristic elements of ‘Back to the Future Part II’ was the introduction of hoverboards. These levitating skateboards immediately captured the imagination of fans. While we haven’t quite achieved the same technology in the real 2015, the film’s depiction of hoverboards on October 21, 2015, generated significant buzz and anticipation among fans who were hopeful for their arrival. It was also something that came in rather handy in Part III but I’ll not provide any spoilers for those that haven’t seen it.

Self-lacing shoes

In the film, Marty McFly is introduced to self-lacing Nike sneakers in the year 2015. Fast forward to the actual October 21, 2015, and Nike celebrated the day by announcing the release of real self-lacing shoes, the Nike Mag, which were auctioned to raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

The Cubs’ World Series victory

One of the most famous predictions made by ‘Back to the Future Part II’ was the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series. According to the film, the Cubs were supposed to break their long championship drought in the 2015 World Series. While the prediction was made in jest, it became a topic of discussion in the sports world and added a layer of excitement to the Cubs’ journey to the 2016 World Series, which they ultimately won. That is pretty incredible, right!?

The Jaws 19 holographic billboard

The film features a humorous take on movie sequels by showcasing a holographic advertisement for ‘Jaws 19′, which almost gobbles up an unsuspecting Marty. While we may not have that many ‘Jaws’ sequels in reality - there were four made from the 1975 classic to ‘Jaws: The Revenge in 1987′ - the reference served as a playful commentary on Hollywood’s love for sequels and franchises.

Flying cars and technology

‘Back to the Future Part II’ envisioned a future filled with advanced technology, including flying cars, video conferencing, and biometric identification. While we haven’t fully realized flying cars - although we’re getting close - many of the other technological advancements featured in the movie, with video calls and fingerprint recognition, now an integral part of our daily lives. I’m pretty sure the likes of Steve Jobs were big fans!

Mr. Fusion home energy reactor

The McFly family’s home in 2015 featured a Mr. Fusion Home Energy Reactor, which was first seen when Doc used garbage to power the flying DeLorean. While we’re not using trash for energy, the concept of cleaner and more sustainable energy sources is something that resonated with our real 2015 and beyond. Eight years later and the existential threat of climate change could really do with such a solution.

The celebration of Back to the Future

October 21, 2015, became a global celebration for fans of the BTTF franchise. Events, screenings, and tributes were held around the world to commemorate the film’s version of the future and to pay homage to this beloved series that has left an indelible mark on popular culture.

So, sitting here in October 2024, fans know that they can always reflect on the key dates that continue to hold a special place in their hearts. The then 2015 future is a date that brought the imaginative and entertaining vision to life, sparking conversations about technology, culture, and the enduring appeal of the beloved time-traveling trilogy. While we may not have achieved all the technological advancements predicted in the film, the spirit of innovation and the love for the franchise continue to thrive, reminding us that the future is whatever we make of it.

Time for another viewing, me thinks... and remember, October 26 is not far away!