Celebrating 40 years: The Untold Story of 'Back to the Future’s Casting Shake-Up
Eric Stoltz’s lost role as Marty McFly and the rise of Michael J. Fox.
Forty years ago, moviegoers almost cheered, “Great Stoltz!” The science-fiction classic Back to the Future, which premiered on 3 July 1985, nearly starred Eric Stoltz instead of Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly. Stoltz even filmed scenes as the unwitting teen time traveller, donning the iconic orange puffer vest.
However, director Robert Zemeckis ultimately fired Stoltz, saying, “He didn’t like my work,” as Stoltz recalled in a 1993 interview. The actor admitted it was devastating. Zemeckis and producer Steven Spielberg had long wanted Fox, who was a TV star playing Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties, then the second highest-rated show in the US. But Fox’s showrunner initially refused to release him for the film.
Stoltz was cast as a substitute, but struggled with the role’s comedic tone. Co-star Lea Thompson noted Stoltz’s intensity and dramatic approach didn’t fit the lighthearted character. Fox agreed, saying:
“There’s a certain goofiness to [Marty] that I don’t think Eric was ready to embrace.”
After weeks of shooting, Zemeckis and Spielberg convinced Family Ties creator Gary David Goldberg to allow Fox to join. Stoltz was dismissed on 10 January 1985, a painful experience for all involved. Zemeckis later called it “the worst experience of my career” and admitted miscasting Stoltz.
Fox juggled filming the movie and his TV show simultaneously, working up to 20-hour days. The gamble paid off: Back to the Future grossed $385 million worldwide, spawning two sequels and a Broadway musical.
Stoltz went on to a successful career, appearing in films like Pulp Fiction and directing TV shows. Despite the setback, Stoltz and Fox have since become friends.
