Michael J. Fox's New Memoir Uncovers Wild 'Back to the Future' Set Secrets

Get ready to travel back in time with Michael J. Fox! His new memoir, "Future Boy," is spilling all the tea on the iconic Back To The Future set, from Crispin Glover's memorable antics to a heartwarming reunion with the original Marty McFly.

TL;DR

• Michael J. Fox's new memoir, "Future Boy," reveals never-before-heard stories from the Back to the Future set.
• Fox details how Crispin Glover's unique acting style for George McFly led the crew to build a literal "corral" around him.
• After 40 years, Fox finally met Eric Stoltz, the actor he replaced as Marty McFly, discovering a mutual respect and friendship.

Great Scott! Revisiting the DeLorean's Original Journey Forty Years On

Can you believe it's been 40 years since Marty McFly first zipped through time in that souped-up DeLorean? The magic of Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale's Back to the Future is still just as strong, and now, thanks to Michael J. Fox's new memoir, "Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum," we're getting a fresh look at the wild ride behind the scenes.

Released around the film's 40th anniversary, this book isn't just a trip down memory lane for fans; it's a deep dive into the unexpected challenges and incredible chemistry that made the movie a timeless classic. From quirky co-star moments to a long-overdue meeting with the actor he replaced, Fox holds nothing back, giving us a truly "people-first" perspective on what it was like to make movie history.

Crispin Glover's Unforgettable Portrayal of George McFly Caused Some On-Set Commotion

Remember Marty's awkward dad, George McFly? It's hard to imagine anyone but Crispin Glover in that role, bringing his signature eccentric flair. But as Michael J. Fox reveals in "Future Boy," Glover's unique approach to the character wasn't always easy for the crew to wrangle.

Fox recalled that Glover, who was only 21 during filming, had his own distinct ideas about George's movements and actions, which often didn't align with director Robert Zemeckis's plans. "He never did the same thing the same way twice," Fox wrote, making filming unpredictable.

In one memorable anecdote, Fox described how Glover would consistently stray from his marks during scenes. "As Crispin approached the camera, he was meant to stay in a lane between the clothesline and me. But Crispin had a different plan," Fox shared, adding that he guessed Glover "saw George as a wanderer, a free spirit who traveled in random patterns — in this case, perpendicular to the camera."

The solution? Something pretty wild! The crew had to get creative. "They fabricated a miniature corral made of sandbags and C-stands, trapping Crispin into adhering to the parameters of the shot," Fox detailed.

Despite these on-set challenges, Fox made it clear that he "loved working" with Glover. He praised his co-star's talent, even if his methods "sometimes created friction." Fox respected how Glover "remained true to George (as he understood and embodied him)." This deep admiration even led Fox to send Glover a heartfelt letter while writing his memoir, saying: "Your performance is richer and deeper every time I see it. In fact, I skip over my bits to watch yours... you are a brilliant actor, and I was thrilled to work with you."

Glover's unique style ultimately led to him being replaced by Jeffrey Weissman in the Back to the Future sequels.

The Unexpected Meeting Between Two Martys: Michael J. Fox and Eric Stoltz

One of the most famous pieces of Back to the Future lore is the recasting of Marty McFly. For six weeks, Eric Stoltz was the man in the lead role, before director Robert Zemeckis and producer Steven Spielberg decided he wasn't quite the right fit for the charming, quick-witted teenager. Their initial choice, Michael J. Fox, had been unavailable due to his commitment to the hit sitcom Family Ties, but a grueling schedule was worked out for him to film both projects simultaneously – Family Ties by day, BTTF by night.

For 40 years, Fox and Stoltz never actually met to discuss this pivotal moment in film history. But as Fox penned "Future Boy," he felt it was time to reach out. He wrote a letter to Stoltz, acknowledging the awkwardness but also expressing a willingness to respect whatever Stoltz preferred, even including a line like, "If your answer is 'piss off and leave me alone'... That works, too."

"Eric has maintained his silence on the subject for 40 years, so I was prepared for the likelihood that he’d prefer to keep it that way," Fox wrote in his memoir. "If your answer is ‘piss off and leave me alone’... That works, too."

— Michael J. Fox, "Future Boy"

Thankfully, Stoltz's response was "beautifully written," starting with a playful "Piss off and leave me alone! I jest..." He respectfully declined to participate in the book but seemed open to a meeting.

When the two actors finally came face-to-face, Fox describes an instant connection. They "immediately fell into an easy dialogue about our careers, families, and yes, our own trips through the space-time continuum." The meeting confirmed that "What transpired on Back to the Future had not made us enemies or fated rivals; we were just two dedicated actors who had poured equal amounts of energy into the same role. The rest had nothing to do with us. As it turned out, we had much more in common than our spin as Marty." They've even maintained a "friendly correspondence" since, sharing thoughts on Movies, kids, and politics, proving some of the best parts of our future truly can come from the past.

From Initial "Crankiness" to Undeniable Chemistry with Lea Thompson

While the recasting of Marty McFly created an undeniable shift, it also caused some initial friction with Lea Thompson, who played Lorraine Baines McFly. As Fox recounts, Thompson was good friends with Eric Stoltz and felt "cranky" and "bitter" about his sudden dismissal after weeks of filming. She felt a loyalty to her friend and wasn't immediately thrilled about a "sitcom refugee" stepping into the role.

However, once filming began, their natural talent and quick wit took over. Fox, working in "survival mode" with his crazy schedule, relied heavily on instinct. During their very first scene together—Marty waking up in Lorraine's bedroom after the car accident—their chemistry began to bloom. Fox even improvised a now-iconic line when Marty asks for his pants, changing Lorraine's reply to "Over there... on my hope chest," which got a delighted laugh from the crew and a "shy wink" from Thompson.

Fox's knack for physical comedy, honed on sitcoms, also impressed Thompson. He added an impromptu "button" to the scene, a pratfall where he tumbled off the bed while trying to put his pants on. Thompson recalls being "super impressive" by his "physical precision." She admitted, "We clicked." This initial tension quickly gave way to a strong rapport that would define their on-screen dynamic and blossom into a lifelong friendship.

Michael J. Fox's Candid Reflections on His Life and Enduring Legacy

Beyond the film's production stories, "Future Boy" also delves into Michael J. Fox's personal journey, including his 35-year battle with Parkinson's disease, which he was diagnosed with at just 29. Fox candidly shared his thoughts on life and mortality in recent interviews promoting his memoir.

He told The Sunday Times, "I’d like to just not wake up one day. That’d be really cool. I don’t want it to be dramatic. I don’t want to trip over furniture, smash my head." This raw honesty offers a glimpse into his acceptance and resilience. In another interview with People, he described his daily reality: "I wake up and get the message of what the day is gonna be like, and I try to adjust to it. I keep getting new challenges physically, and I get through it."

Fox also reflected on his life before superstardom, recalling a Christmas with his family in Canada in 1984 as his "last brush with the old world." His family, he shared, helped keep him grounded, ensuring he'd "never get out of control." Fox's unwavering spirit and dedication to sharing his experiences, both on and off-screen, continue to inspire millions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michael J. Fox's "Future Boy" Memoir and the Movie Where can I read Michael J. Fox's new memoir? Michael J. Fox's memoir, "Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum," is available now wherever books are sold. Is Back to the Future available in 4K? Yes! The Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Edition is out now in 4K on digital platforms, and there are plans for a theatrical re-release to celebrate the anniversary. Who was originally cast as Marty McFly in Back to the Future? Eric Stoltz was originally cast as Marty McFly and filmed for about five to six weeks before Michael J. Fox took over the role. When did the original Back to the Future film first come out? The original Back to the Future was released in 1985, making 2025 its 40th anniversary year. Sources

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