Michael J. Fox has opened up about the challenges he faced while filming the iconic 1985 film Back to the Future alongside Crispin Glover, who played his on-screen father, George McFly. In his new memoir, Future Boy, Fox describes how Glover’s unique approach to acting created notable tension on set.
Fox recalls that Glover had a distinct vision for his character, which often led to difficulties during filming. “As George McFly, Crispin had his own ideas as to how and where his character should move,” Fox wrote. He illustrated this by describing a particular scene where Glover refused to stay within the designated mark. “As Crispin approached the camera, he was meant to stay in a lane between the clothesline and me,” Fox explained. “But Crispin had a different plan.”
To address Glover’s unpredictable movements, the crew devised a makeshift solution. “They fabricated a miniature corral made of sandbags and C-stands, trapping Crispin into adhering to the parameters of the shot,” Fox noted. Despite the challenges, he expressed admiration for Glover’s talent, stating, “His talent was unquestionable, although his methods sometimes created friction.”
Reflecting on his experience working with Glover, Fox acknowledged his prior acquaintance with the actor but admitted he was unprepared for Glover’s unconventional style. “There’s no way to prepare for Crispin,” he said. “Neither he nor [Christopher] Lloyd ever did the same thing the same way twice.”
Back to the Future’s Legacy and Glover’s Recasting
“I knew Crispin Glover prior to Back to the Future. I wouldn’t, however, say I was prepared to act with him,” Fox shared.
The film Back to the Future follows teenager Marty McFly, portrayed by Fox, as he is accidentally transported from 1985 to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean, created by eccentric scientist Doc Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd. In his quest to ensure his parents fall in love, Marty faces numerous challenges that contribute to the film’s enduring popularity.
While Glover’s performance in the original film was well-received, he was recast for the sequels released in 1989 and 1990, following a reported pay dispute. Actor Jeffrey Weissman took on the role of George McFly in those films.
Directors Robert Zemeckis and writer Bob Gale have consistently stated that they have no intention of producing another installment of the beloved franchise. At a recent event, Gale addressed ongoing rumors about a potential fourth film, stating, “I don’t know why they keep talking about that! I mean, do they think that if they say it enough times, we’re going to actually do it?” He firmly reiterated, “It’s just fine the way it is. It’s not perfect, but as Bob Zemeckis used to say, ‘It’s perfect enough.’”
The revelations from Fox’s memoir offer a glimpse into the creative dynamics behind one of cinema’s most celebrated films, highlighting the balance between artistic expression and collaborative filmmaking.
