Thescreescore – The casting of Marty McFly in "Back to the Future" is a tale of Hollywood secrecy and last-minute decisions. While Michael J. Fox is now synonymous with the role, Eric Stoltz was initially cast and even filmed scenes for weeks. In a new book celebrating the film’s 40th anniversary, Fox and his co-author Nelle Fortenberry shed light on the frantic efforts to keep the recasting under wraps.
The decision to replace Stoltz with Fox stemmed from director Robert Zemeckis’ vision for the character. Fox, who was simultaneously filming "Family Ties," was quickly thrust into the role. According to Fox, the public was largely unaware of the change until filming was already underway. The secrecy was so intense that Fox didn’t even meet Christopher Lloyd, who played Doc Brown, until Lloyd "jumped out of the van" on set.
Fortenberry reveals that Zemeckis and co-writer/producer Bob Gale went to great lengths to conceal Stoltz’s departure and Fox’s arrival. However, a newspaper headline soon exposed the recasting, labeling the production as "troubled." This fueled concerns within the industry that the film was a "hot mess."
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Fox explains that Stoltz remained in the role until his deal was finalized to prevent production from shutting down. Producer Steven Spielberg feared that prematurely firing Stoltz could cause the entire film to implode. Universal needed assurance of a seamless transition to a new lead actor.
Despite the initial negative perception, "Back to the Future" went on to become a beloved classic. Fox’s portrayal of Marty McFly was a hit with audiences and critics alike. The attempt to hide the recasting may seem unnecessary in hindsight, but it was a calculated move to ensure the film’s success. The positive reviews and Fox’s iconic performance ultimately vindicated the decision.
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