How Steven Spielberg rescued Back to the Future from one of the worst titles in movie history

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The classic film “Back to the Future” has an ideal title that fits perfectly, but initially, it was close to being named something quite unfortunate. However, thanks to the intervention of Steven Spielberg, the less-than-ideal name was averted.

The classic film “Back to the Future” is justifiably ranked among the greatest movies ever made due to its seamless integration of various elements such as plot, directing, acting talent, visual effects, music, and scoring.

However, if events had unfolded differently, the film might have taken a different shape, as the team filmed for weeks with Eric Stoltz portraying Marty McFly initially. Upon reviewing the early footage, they realized he seemed too somber for the role. Eventually, they replaced him with Michael J. Fox, who starred on Family Ties, and the movie resumed its course.

It’s reported that Steven Spielberg successfully implemented this alteration, and given his executive producer role, he cleverly thwarted a potentially catastrophic title change as well.

Why Back to the Future was nearly called Space Man From Pluto

Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators behind Back to the Future, not only designed its intricate plot, but also coined the catchy title that has since become popular language. Although the phrase is now familiar, it’s interesting to know that no one had arranged those words in that specific sequence before, making it sound unusual when it was first introduced.

It’s plausible that, despite appearing brilliant in hindsight, Sid Sheinberg, Universal Pictures’ head, may have had some doubts about releasing the movie based on this peculiar new term. However, his proposed title change was beyond reproach.

On October 17, 1984, Sheinberg wrote a memo to Spielberg expressing his opinion that though the current script was excellent, the title was less than ideal because it made the movie seem like just another genre film.

He then reveals his bizarre pitch: “I would suggest we consider the title Space Man From Pluto.”

The mention on the cover of Marty’s ‘Tales From Space’ comic, “Space Zombies From Pluto,” and the temporary confusion in 1950s Hill Valley where Marty is mistaken as an astronaut upon his arrival, are both allusions to the sci-fi theme in the Back to the Future series.

In addition, Sheinberg offered ideas on extending the concept. His memo directed the authors to explore these concepts further.

  • Modify the dialogue on P.35 so that Sherman calls Marty a “space man from Pluto”
  • Modify Marty’s dialogue on P.77 so that he identifies himself as a “space man from the Planet Pluto” (instead of Darth Vader From Vulcan).
  • Change the title of the book written by George and referred to on P.130 from ‘A Match Made in Space’ to ‘Space Man from Pluto’

He ends by stating: “Some might claim that the film seems outdated or low-budget in the sci-fi genre. Absolutely not! To me, it exudes warmth, originality, and promises fun. Most significantly, it steers clear of feeling like a typical time-travel genre movie.

How Steven Spielberg saved the day

Initially puzzled by the proposal, Spielberg, Zemeckis, and Gale strongly opposed the title change. Unsure of their next steps, but in a 2014 interview with Shortlist, Gale recounted that Spielberg reassured them, “Don’t fret, I can manage him.

Hey Sid, appreciate your hilarious memo, it brought a smile to everyone’s face. Continue sharing them!

Without Sheinberg offering any rebuttal, the matter was left unresolved, and subsequently, “Back to the Future” went on to rake in significant profits at the box office, while Sheinberg’s memo became a staple in movie legend.

Here I am, eagerly guiding you towards the unveiling of where Back to the Future ranks among our top sci-fi films of all time! Or if you’re in the mood for a chuckle, follow me to learn about the spot-on Cobra Kai joke inspired by Back to the Future.

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2025-07-03 18:19