8 Across

NYT Daily ? October 4, 2025

Lead role in the highest-grossing film of 1985

Answer:

MCFLY

Hint:

This character famously traveled back in time in a DeLorean and shares a last name with a real-life scientist known for his work on inertia.

Explanation:

The highest-grossing film of 1985 was Back to the Future, where Marty McFly is the main character. The clue asks for the lead role’s last name, which is "McFly." It’s a straightforward reference—no wordplay, just a direct nod to the iconic movie and its protagonist.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

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