Imagine being replaced in a starring role after weeks of filming, the opportunity of a lifetime snatched away. That's exactly what happened to Eric Stoltz on the set of 'Back to the Future.' But what happened after? Did resentment fester for decades? Did the two actors ever cross paths? Michael J. Fox's new memoir, 'Future Boy,' reveals the surprising and heartwarming answer: a connection forged 40 years in the making.
The story, as many know, goes like this: Eric Stoltz was initially cast as Marty McFly in the now-iconic 'Back to the Future.' Director Robert Zemeckis had even filmed for six weeks with Stoltz in the lead role. However, Zemeckis and the production team felt something wasn't quite right. While Stoltz was a talented actor, they didn't believe he embodied the specific energy and comedic timing needed for Marty. Zemeckis's original choice, Michael J. Fox, was unavailable due to his commitment to the hit NBC sitcom 'Family Ties.' But fate intervened.
According to Fox's memoir, 'Family Ties' creator Gary David Goldberg initially blocked Fox from consideration. But, as filming with Stoltz progressed, the creative team realized a change was necessary. The daily footage, or 'dailies', weren't capturing the magic they envisioned. Ultimately, the difficult decision was made to recast the role, allowing Fox to step in as Marty McFly. This pivotal moment propelled Fox from sitcom star to a global movie icon, and 'Back to the Future' went on to gross over $381 million worldwide in 1985, becoming the year's highest-grossing film, spawning a beloved franchise with 'Back to the Future Part II' (1989) and 'Back to the Future Part III' (1990), all starring Fox.
But here's where it gets controversial... Was it fair to Stoltz? Was it a purely creative decision, or were there other factors at play? Some argue that Stoltz's more method-acting approach didn't mesh with the lighthearted tone Zemeckis aimed for. Others suggest that the pressure to deliver a blockbuster influenced the decision. What do you think?
For 40 years, Stoltz remained silent about the experience. In his memoir, Fox admits he was uncertain about reaching out. He penned a letter to Stoltz, acknowledging the awkwardness and giving Stoltz an easy out: "If your answer is ‘piss off and leave me alone’… That works, too.”
And this is the part most people miss... the incredible grace and maturity displayed by both actors. Stoltz responded with a 'beautifully written reply' that playfully began with, 'Piss off and leave me alone! I jest…' He declined to participate in Fox's book but expressed openness to meeting.
When Fox and Stoltz finally met in person, any potential awkwardness vanished. Fox describes an immediate connection, a comfortable conversation about their careers, families, and, of course, their shared experience with 'Back to the Future.' "[Stoltz entered] with a smile, and we quickly acknowledged that neither of us had an issue with the other," Fox writes. "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.”
The story doesn't end there. The two actors have maintained a friendly correspondence, exchanging emails about movies they've enjoyed, updates on their children, and even occasional political detours. Fox describes Stoltz's emails as 'reliably witty and always fun to read,' serving as a reminder that 'some of the best parts of our future can come from the past.'
Fox's memoir, 'Future Boy,' is available now. But the real question is: What do you make of this story? Does it change your perception of 'Back to the Future'? Does it offer a valuable lesson about resilience and forgiveness in the face of professional setbacks? Share your thoughts in the comments below! What would you have done in either actor's shoes?
