Some slightly good news for Back to the Future fans. I just got off the phone with Universal and have confirmed that the Clock Tower used in the trilogy is still standing, after a huge fire broke out on the Universal Studios Backlot earlier today. The Courthouse square set surrounding the only slightly damaged Clock Tower is said to be completely destroyed. Universal’s New York Street is also said to be in ruins. Both Courthouse Square and the New York Street sets are again scheduled to be rebuilt.
The Courthouse Square set was not the original set used in the time-travel trilogy. Just after the sequels finished shooting, most the square was burned down in the 1990 fire (which also took down New York Street). It was rebuilt from the original blueprints.
The Los Angeles Times has a great article on the history of the sets destroyed in the fire.
June 1st, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Wouldn’t it be ironic if the fire started by a bolt of lightning?
June 1st, 2008 at 7:51 pm
That would be pretty weird.
I’m so glad to read the news that it is still standing though.
June 1st, 2008 at 10:23 pm
@ J.D.
Jamestown, CA, where they filmed BTTF Part III burnt down a few years ago, was actually caused by a lightning strike.
June 1st, 2008 at 10:32 pm
They will rebuild!!!!
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:47 am
Does it matter? They will never use the clock tower again, and none of us will ever go see it.
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:54 am
Bring it on down Jackson.
June 2nd, 2008 at 2:41 am
I’m with Jackson. I say we go there and burn down the clock tower.
June 2nd, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Which is it?
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ieKlEB60J43hDZ39AB9VmsPZ72sgD911DHR80
June 2nd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Jason: If you read the AP report carefully, it says that the courthouse square set has been destroyed and that the clock tower building has been damaged. This is exactly what we said in the above report. I hear the damage to the clock tower building is minimal.
June 2nd, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Hmm… I’m kinda thinking Doc and Marty went back in time in order to save the clock tower from destruction.
June 8th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
What do you mean we never go see it! I was on my way the day of the fire to see it….. man I am so bummed… but at least it sounds like it is still standing… yeah!