Back to the Futurestar Michael J. Fox reunites with James Tolkan to recreate an iconic scene 40 years later. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the hit 1985 sci-fi adventure story starsFox as Marty McFly, a teenager who accidentally travels 30 years back in time and becomes entwined in the lives of his young parents. The film, which was a major hit, features a number of memorable scenes and moments, including one in which McFly is scolded and called a slacker by his principal, Mr. Strickland (Tolkan), after arriving late for class.
Fox and Tolkan now reunite to recreate this McFly and Strickland scene in a new image shared byFAN EXPO New Orleanson July 05, 2025.The miniBack to the Futurereunion image features Tolkan, 93, pointing his finger at Fox, 63, in a scolding manneras the two sit side-by-side, a callback to their encounter within the halls of Hill Valley High School. Check out the image below:
“Slackers never change and Mr. Strickland will be sure to remind you,” the caption reads. “Michael J. Fox and James Tolkan reunited at [FAN EXPO New Orleans] today and it was just like old times.”
Tolkan appeared in the second and thirdBack to the Futurefilms as variations of Mr. Strickland.
What The Back To The Future Reunion Image Means
The Cast Has Reunited On A Number Of Occasions
Zemeckis' movie careerhas been filled with highs and lows, with arguably more lows in recent years.Back to the Future, however, remains a major bright spot in his filmography, and it still stands as a true 1980s classic. The movie enjoys a strong 93% critics' score and 95% audience score onRotten Tomatoes, speaking to just how beloved it remains today.Back to the Futurewas such a success that it ultimately birthed two sequels, both of which featured Fox returning as McFly.
Why Back To The Future 4 Never Happened
There’s a lot of promise for another Back to the Future sequel or remake, but there is a good reason this never happened (and that it shouldn’t).
For Fox,Back to the Futureis, without question, his most iconic movie.Fox is now retired from acting as a result of his Parkinson’s disease, but he continues to appear regularly at fan events. Most of the coreBack to the Futurecastreunited, for example, in early 2024 at Megacon, and Fox and Doc Brown actor Christopher Lloyd reunited in 2022 at New York Comic Con.
Our Take On Fox’s Back To The Future Reunion With Tolkan
The 1985 Classic Remains Beloved
Back to the Futuremay now be 40 years old, but it’s clear that love for the movie remains. Fox makes for the perfect McFly, andit’s a testament to his acting talent and charisma that Fox remains such a hit at fan events. Even though Tolkan’s role as Mr. Strickland is relatively minor in the grand scheme of the film, his interactions with McFly still stand out as some ofBack to the Future’s more memorable scenes, and it’s heartwarming to see him reunited with Fox all these years later.
Cast Reunions Are Better Than Back To The Future 4
Another Sequel Does Not Need To Happen
While there is still interest inBack to the Future 4happening, it is best at this point for the franchise to live on via cast reunions as opposed to receiving a sequel. Seeing Fox and Tolkan reuniting and recreating the iconic scene between them is both satisfying and sweet. It is not onlya reminder of their time playing Marty and Mr. Strickland, but also shows how the actors are still deeply enthusiastic about their roles, and are still eager to share that enthusiasm with others.
WithBack to the Future Part IIIreleasing in 1991, there are now 35 years of impossibly high expectations that could never be feasibly met.
It is better to channel the magic of theBack to the Futuremovies in this way. WithBack to the Future Part IIIreleasing in 1990, there are now 35 years of impossibly high expectations that could never be feasibly met. Due to Fox’s Parkinson’s disease, he would be unable to reprise his role as Marty McFly, and without Fox playing Marty, there is noBack to the Future. It isbetter to see Fox, not only with Tolkan, but also reuniting with Lloyd and other cast members.
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Back to the Future Part III
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Beyond the enduring legacy of the movies,Back to the Futureis also living on as a Broadway musicalthat previously played in the West End. Even though Zemeckis will never makeBack to the Future 4, he did express interest in aBack to the Futuremusical movie. Regardless of whether this ever comes to fruition, fans can enjoy the originalBack to the Futuremovies, seeing warm cast reunions like the one between Fox and Tolkan, along with the added bonus of the ongoing stage musical.
Cast
Back to the Future follows teenager Marty McFly as he is inadvertently sent back to 1955, where he disrupts his parents' meeting. With the assistance of eccentric inventor Doc Brown, Marty must restore the timeline by ensuring his parents fall in love and find a way back to 1985.
