The opening of Back to the future part II pays homage to its predecessor in the most unexpected way – recreating the final scene of the original film, but with a subtle and funny twist. The sequel picks up right where the first film ends: with Christopher Lloyd's Doc Brown reappearing in the DeLorean.
In both the original final scene and the remake's opening scene, Doc convinces Marty and his girlfriend, Jennifer, to return to the future to help their children. However, reshooting the Back to the future ending for Part II it wasn't just a practical choice to continue and remind the audience of what happened before; it was the one that provided an indelible comic touch to open the sequence.
Back to the Future Part II Remake Opening Gives Doc Brown a Different Reaction
Leave it to Christopher Lloyd to bring the funny
One of the striking differences at the end of the remake involves Doc Brown's reaction when Marty asks, “Have we become idiots or something?“Unlike the original version, where Doc responds directly and without real hesitation, the Part II version goes for a laugh-worthy change. Doc pauses momentarily with a confused, almost contemplative expression, as if he's actually considering whether Marty and Jennifer might turn out to be terrible people when they grow up. This fleeting moment adds an extra layer of humor to Doc's character while also showcasing Lloyd's impeccable comedic timing.
This small but intentional addition adds dimension to the scene and sets the tone for the humor woven throughout Back to the future part II. It's a brilliant way to appeal to fans of the original, offering them something new and unexpected during a scene they've already experienced once.
The gap between Back to the Future and Part II makes the remake less perfect
A new Jennifer and a firmly grown-up Michael J. Fox delivered some shocks to viewers
Although the opening of Back to the future part II strives to replicate the feel of the original ending, the five-year production gap between the two films makes the remake much less perfect than the filmmakers had hoped. Close observers will notice subtle differences, such as the aging of the actors, especially Michael J. Fox. A baby-faced 23-year-old boy when he filmed the first film, Fox was decidedly more mature 28 by the time the sequel arrived. This change, while understandable, makes the transition a bit jarring for today's viewers, who often watch the two films back-to-back.
Additionally, Claudia Wells, who played Marty's girlfriend Jennifer in the original Back to the futuredid not reprise her role in the sequel, leading Elisabeth Shue to replace her. While Shue's performance is solid and a definite step forward for the series, the break in continuity is especially apparent due to the abrupt transition in a scene that should be identical. These differences between Back to the future me and II serve as a reminder of the challenges faced when creating sequels years after their predecessors and highlight the difficulty of maintaining continuity.
Despite the slight disconnect caused by the re-shot scene, the new intro still works very well. The mix of familiar dialogue and small changes is a clever way for the filmmakers to acknowledge the first film's legacy while also reinforcing Back to the future part IIthe uniqueness of tone and mood.