Michael J. Fox has opened up about a previously undisclosed conflict behind the scenes of the legendary 1985 film Back to the Future, sharing details from his new memoir that expose tension involving one of his co-stars. In Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum, Fox discusses difficulties with Crispin Glover during filming, offering fresh insight into the challenges that arose while working on the beloved franchise that continues to captivate audiences decades later. This revelation adds depth to the Michael J Fox Backstory as it sheds light on interpersonal struggles that accompanied the movie’s success.
Creative Differences Between Fox and Glover
Back to the Future centers on Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, and the eccentric scientist Emmett “Doc” Brown, portrayed by Christopher Lloyd, as they navigate time travel to fix their past mistakes. During production, Fox recalls how Glover, who portrayed Marty’s father George McFly, often clashed with the film crew due to his unconventional approach to acting. According to Fox,
“Nobody puts Crispin in a box. But that didn’t prevent the camera crew from literally building a box around him.”
This quote underscores the creative friction generated by Glover’s unique interpretation of his character.
Fox elaborated on Glover’s different vision for George McFly’s movements in scenes, stating that the co-star
“had his own ideas as to how and where”
the character should move. Specifically, Fox noted,
“As Crispin approached the camera, he was meant to stay in a lane between the clothesline and me. But Crispin had a different plan. My guess is that he saw George as a wanderer, a free spirit who traveled in random patterns – in this case, perpendicular to the camera.”
This artistic divergence created tension on set, illustrating Glover’s unwillingness to conform to the director’s instructions.
Fox’s Respect for Glover Despite On-Set Tensions
Although these conflicts with the camera crew were challenging, Fox confirmed his admiration for Glover’s talent and dedication to his role. He wrote,
“His talent was unquestionable, although his methods sometimes created friction. Still, I respected how he remained true to George (as he understood and embodied him).”
Fox’s recognition of Glover’s commitment highlights the complexity of their working relationship, where professional disagreements existed alongside mutual respect. Reflecting on their history, Fox admitted,
“I knew Crispin Glover prior to Back to the Future. I wouldn’t, however, say I was prepared to act with him – there’s no way to prepare for Crispin.”
This candid acknowledgment paints a picture of an intense and unpredictable collaboration.
Additional Backstory: Replacing Eric Stoltz and Fox’s Career Challenges
Beyond the friction with Glover, Fox’s memoir touches on his early replacement of actor Eric Stoltz, who originally played Marty McFly before the decision was made to cast Fox in the role. Despite the switch, Fox emphasized that his relationship with Stoltz remains amicable, with no lingering resentment between the actors. Known for other popular roles in Family Ties, Teen Wolf, and Stuart Little, Fox’s career was later overshadowed by his battle with Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed in 1991. This ongoing health challenge adds a further layer to his personal narrative while maintaining his status as a fan favorite.
The Enduring Popularity of the Back to the Future Franchise
The Back to the Future trilogy continues to be celebrated by audiences worldwide, securing a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its first installment alone. The series has collectively earned more than $960 million at the box office, with the original movie garnering $389 million globally. Michael J. Fox’s portrayal of Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd’s iconic Doc Brown remain central to the franchise’s lasting appeal. Despite the tensions behind the scenes, the films have maintained their status as beloved classics in the science fiction and adventure genres, influencing generations of viewers and filmmakers alike.
