In February 2017, I sat down with comedic icon Kel Mitchell for a “buttoned-up” session on Scoop B Radio. While we discussed his Nickelodeon roots and the enduring legacy of Good Burger, the conversation took a creative turn into the world of reboots and reimagined classics. Kel pitched a concept that was as brilliant as it was bold: a Tyler Perry-led reimagining of Back to the Future IV, aptly titled “Black to the Future.”
Reflecting on this in December 2025—in an era where reboots like Good Burger 2 have already proven the power of Mitchell’s nostalgia—this 2017 pitch feels like a prophetic look at the future of diverse storytelling in Hollywood.
“Call it Black to the Future”
During our dialogue, Kel expressed a deep admiration for Tyler Perry’s ability to build worlds and command an audience. He saw a gap in the sci-fi genre for a story that blended the high-concept fun of the 80s with the specific cultural lens of the Black experience.
“I want a Tyler Perry-created Back to the Future IV,” Kel told me. “Call it ‘Black to the Future.’ Think about it: Tyler Perry’s vision, the humor, the heart, and then you add the time travel elements. It would be huge. I’m putting it out there into the universe.”
Kel’s vision wasn’t just about a name change; it was about reclaiming a “white-led” classic and seeing what happens when you drop a character like Madea or a young Kel Mitchell into a different decade to fix the future.
The “Kenan & Kel” Synergy
Our session also touched on why these types of films are necessary. Using Star Wars as a benchmark, Kel argued that if a franchise can make dozens of films and spin-offs, there is no reason why comedic duos—like him and Kenan Thompson—can’t exist in multiple universes.
- The Philosophy: Why stop at one sequel when the chemistry is timeless?
- The Style: Kel wanted to see the “physical comedy” he pioneered at Nickelodeon translated into a big-budget, Tyler Perry-produced spectacle.
- The Audience: He noted that the “90s kids” (who are now the decision-makers of 2025) are hungry for content that honors their childhood while offering something new.
| The Pitch | “Black to the Future” |
| Director/Producer | Tyler Perry |
| Lead Star | Kel Mitchell |
| The Hook | Reimagining the Delorean through a cultural lens. |
| The Vibe | Sci-fi adventure meets high-energy comedy. |
2025 Retrospective: The Era of the Mitchell Renaissance
As of late 2025, Kel Mitchell is busier than ever. With the massive success of Good Burger 2 and his continued work as a producer and youth pastor, he has proven that his “buttoned-up” approach to business and creativity works. While “Black to the Future” hasn’t hit theaters yet, the shift in Hollywood toward “Afro-futurism” (seen in the Black Panther and Spider-Verse franchises) proves that Kel’s 2017 instincts were ahead of their time.
As Kel said to me:
“You have to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. The ideas are always flowing.”
In 2025, Kel Mitchell remains a “Key One” in the world of entertainment, reminding us that sometimes the best way to move forward is to take a look at the past—preferably at 88 miles per hour.
