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A screen-matched Mr. Fusion reactor from the "A" (hero) car DeLorean Time Machine in Robert Zemeckis' Back to the Future Part II. "Doc" Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd) surprised Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) when he arrived on October 26, 1985 with a hovering DeLorean powered by a Mr. Fusion Home Energy Reactor from 2015.
The "A" car DeLorean - better known today as the hero car - was used throughout filming, including when the DeLorean first arrived in future Hill Valley. The hero car was the primary beauty car used for exterior shots of the vehicle, and later appeared with host Leslie Nielsen in Mark Cowen's promotional TV movie, Back to the Future Part II Behind-the-Scenes Special Presentation.
This Mr. Fusion originates from the collection of special effects team member Randy Cabral, who retained it at the conclusion of Part III's production. It is believed to be the only reactor installed with an aluminum plate to prevent the top from opening too far. Hand-inscribed vertical markings along the plate screen-match it to close ups of Doc with the car. Additionally, the reactor features a distinctive, screen-matched warped bubble where the coffee grinder section was connected to the broader white base. A second car known as the "B" car, as well as a different Mr. Fusion, were used in the sequence where Doc filled the reactor.
Back to the Future Part II became a cultural phenomenon upon release, capturing the 1980s vision of the future and simultaneously predicting a range of technological advancements, such as flatscreen televisions, wearable tech, and various other newfangled communication methods. The film was also innovative for its visual effects created by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), including the VistaGlide motion control camera system that allowed the actors on screen to portray multiple characters seamlessly. After its release, the date used for the setting of Back to the Future Part II became known as "Back to the Future Day," which serves as the annual anniversary for the film trilogy.
As Part II and Part III were filmed back-to-back, this reactor may also have been installed on the "A" car during filming of Part III's mine sequence, though it is not clearly visible. New Mr. Fusions were also built for the film which are distinguished by having unfilled visible seams at the bottom of their coffee grinder bases just below the broader white lid sections.
Made primarily from plastic and metal, this black-and-white reactor features a red latch and a printed "Home Energy Reactor" label below "Mr. Fusion" decals on each side. The decals were reapplied by production sometime during, or shortly after, filming of Part III. A 1990 exhibition of Back to the Future props held in Japan featured a different Mr. Fusion reactor applied with the same style of decals seen here.
Also included are two framed programs for Part II and Part III, three tickets to Back to the Future Part III, a hardcover copy of Back to the Future: The Official Book of the Complete Movie Trilogy, a Back to the Future Part II half-sheet poster, and digital scans of behind-the-scenes photographs shot by Cabral on location during production on Part III. This lot exhibits cracking, a buildup of grime, lifted decal adhesive, and chipped paint. Dimensions: 12" x 12" x 18.5" (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm x 47 cm)
Additional Provenance: Letter of Authenticity from Cabral.
Estimate: $75,000 - 150,000