Michael J Fox Reunites with Eric Stoltz Four Decades After Back to the Future Casting Shakeup
Michael J. Fox, in his memoir titled “Future Boy,” shares a personal revelation about reconnecting with Eric Stoltz. This encounter occurred four decades after the two actors dealt with a significant casting change in the beloved film “Back to the Future.”
Revisiting a Pivotal Casting Change
Fox replaced Stoltz as Marty McFly after the latter had already been filming for six weeks. Director Robert Zemeckis and producer Steven Spielberg initially preferred Fox for the role. However, his commitment to NBC’s sitcom “Family Ties” prevented his participation at first.
After production began with Stoltz, the film’s creative team found his performance lacking. In Fox’s memoir, he recounts how he felt it necessary to reach out to Stoltz. He wrote a letter extending an invitation to meet, acknowledging that Stoltz might prefer to maintain his distance.
The Letter and Response
Fox humorously mentioned in his letter that he would understand if the response was dismissive. Stoltz surprised him with a witty reply that started with humor, stating, “Piss off and leave me alone!” Despite this, Stoltz expressed a willingness to explore the possibility of a meeting.
A Positive Reunion
The reunion was amicable, with both actors quickly engaging in an easygoing discussion. They talked about their careers, families, and even their experiences with the time-travel theme depicted in the film.
- Fox and Stoltz both expressed that they did not harbor any negative feelings regarding the casting decision.
- Their conversation revealed commonalities beyond their roles in “Back to the Future.”
Ongoing Friendship
Since their meeting, the two have maintained a friendly correspondence. Their exchanges often include recommendations for recent films, personal anecdotes about parenting, and even discussions on political matters. Fox notes that Stoltz’s emails are witty and enjoyable.
The transition of roles in “Back to the Future” significantly impacted Fox’s career trajectory. The film achieved massive commercial success, grossing over $381.1 million worldwide in 1985, making it the year’s highest-grossing film.
The Legacy of Back to the Future
The success of “Back to the Future” led to sequels: “Back to the Future Part II” in 1989 and “Back to the Future Part III” in 1990, both featuring Fox. In his memoir, he also reflects on how the initial decision by the show’s creator, Gary David Goldberg, effectively removed him from the casting pool initially.
Fox’s memoir, “Future Boy,” is currently available for purchase, providing further insights into his life and experiences both on and off the screen.
