Great Scott! The DeLorean is back—and it’s more high-tech (and chaotic) than ever.
Universal Pictures has released the highly anticipated first trailer for Back to the Future 4 (2026), marking the return of one of cinema’s most beloved sci-fi franchises. This time, a fresh duo steps into the spotlight: Tom Holland as the new time-traveling prodigy, and Robert Downey Jr. as a modern-day reimagining of the eccentric genius Doc Brown.
Set decades after the original trilogy, Back to the Future 4 explores a future where time travel has become highly restricted—and dangerously unstable. Holland plays Elliot Brown, the grandson of Emmett “Doc” Brown, who stumbles upon his grandfather’s long-abandoned lab. When he discovers an upgraded DeLorean with quantum AI, history is once again at risk of being unraveled.
The trailer blends nostalgia and cutting-edge visuals: we see the new DeLorean racing through wormholes, past versions of Hill Valley glitching into view, and historical figures unexpectedly crossing into 2026.
Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Dr. Edwin Carr, is a mentor with mysterious ties to Doc Brown’s early experiments—and perhaps a few secrets of his own.
Fans will also spot Easter eggs honoring the original trilogy, including a tribute to Christopher Lloyd and a holographic message from Michael J. Fox’s Marty McFly.
Directed by Shawn Levy, the film promises “a thrilling journey through time, memory, and responsibility,” while paying heartfelt homage to the spirit of the original films.
Back to the Future 4 hits theaters worldwide on July 3, 2026, just in time for Independence Day weekend.