Beloved actor Michael J. Fox is opening up about his storied career, offering fans a unique look into his iconic role as Marty McFly in ‘Back to the Future’. From dispelling long-standing rumors about his casting rivalry with Eric Stoltz and his initial self-doubt about his performance, to addressing the infamous ‘Johnny B. Goode’ guitar goof, Fox provides candid insights. He also shares exciting details about his poignant return to acting on Apple TV+’s ‘Shrinking’, showcasing his enduring spirit and talent.
For generations of fans, Michael J. Fox is synonymous with Marty McFly, the time-traveling teenager who captured imaginations in ‘Back to the Future’. Decades after the film’s monumental success, Fox continues to share fascinating new details and reflections, offering a deeper understanding of the classic film’s production, his personal journey, and its lasting impact on pop culture. These candid discussions not only enrich the fan experience but also highlight his enduring connection to the franchise and his triumphant return to the screen.
The Marty McFly Origin Story: Dispelling Rivalry Rumors
It’s a legendary tale in Hollywood: Michael J. Fox wasn’t the first choice for Marty McFly. That role initially went to actor Eric Stoltz, who filmed for several weeks before filmmakers decided he wasn’t quite the right fit. Fox was famously brought in to replace him, juggling the demanding schedule of ‘Back to the Future’ with his hit sitcom ‘Family Ties’.
Years later, Fox has finally addressed the long-standing speculation about any lingering tension between himself and Stoltz. The two actors recently met for the first time while Fox was working on his book, ‘Future Boy’. “There’s all this mythology built up about this thing that happened,” Fox told People magazine. He clarified, “Was it backstabbing? Was there people conniving and being evil? No, it just was the thing that happened.” Fox expressed his admiration, adding, “I’m a big fan of his. He’s really great. And particularly I’m a big Tarantino fan — ‘Pulp Fiction’ was amazing.” Their conversation was described simply as “two guys talking,” putting any rivalry rumors definitively to rest.
From Exhaustion to Elation: Fox’s Initial Doubts About His Performance
The simultaneous filming of ‘Back to the Future’ and ‘Family Ties’ was an intense period for Michael J. Fox. The grueling schedule left him perpetually exhausted, leading to significant self-doubt about his work in the sci-fi classic. He recalled a low point in his life, where he was “drinking too much” and felt his performance would be “terrible.”
It wasn’t until his agent called him to confirm the film’s massive success that his perspective began to shift. Reflecting on this time, Fox admitted to Empire magazine, “I thought this would all soon be over. I thought they’d see what I’d done, I’d go back to the back of the pack and start again.” Years later, during Christmas, he rewatched the film for the first time in its entirety since its initial release and had a profound realization. “You know what, I’m really good in this!” he exclaimed, a far cry from his initial fears. This late-stage self-appreciation comes despite his performance earning him a Golden Globe nomination and universal critical acclaim at the time.
No Remakes, No Sequels: Preserving the DeLorean’s Legacy
The discussion around remakes and sequels for beloved classics like ‘Back to the Future’ is constant within fan communities. Michael J. Fox has a clear stance on the matter: he believes the films shouldn’t be remade. While he jokes, “Do what you want. It’s your movie. I got paid already,” he genuinely feels it’s unnecessary.
Fox credits director Robert Zemeckis and co-writer Bob Gale for fiercely protecting the franchise, stating, “I don’t think it needs rebooting because are you going to clarify something? You’re going to find a better way to tell the story? I doubt it.” He also touched upon the possibility of a ‘Part IV’, acknowledging that conversations might have occurred after ‘Part III’. However, his early diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease would have made taking on such a project difficult, effectively putting an end to those discussions.
The Notorious Guitar Goof: Marty McFly’s Anachronistic Axe
For dedicated fans of ‘Back to the Future’, few details escape scrutiny, especially when it comes to temporal inconsistencies. One of the most talked-about “goofs” involves Marty McFly’s performance of “Johnny B. Goode” at the 1955 Enchantment Under the Sea dance. Michael J. Fox himself addressed this in his memoir, ‘Future Boy’, and during various interviews.
The issue? Marty borrows Marvin Berry’s Gibson ES-345 guitar. Guitar aficionados and film enthusiasts quickly point out that this model was first introduced in 1958, three years after the scene takes place. Furthermore, Chuck Berry’s classic song “Johnny B. Goode” itself wasn’t released until 1958. Fox clarifies that this wasn’t an intentional cinematic Easter egg. The film’s art department simply chose the ES-345 because it visually evoked the iconic wine-red guitar famously played by Chuck Berry, making it a stylistic choice rather than a plot hole.
Interestingly, the guitar used in the film has itself become a mystery. In June 2025, Gibson announced a global search for the missing instrument, inviting fans with any tips to visit losttothefuture.com. Fox notes that “the guitar used in ‘Johnny B. Goode’ has grown more important for what it isn’t than what it is. What it isn’t is available— which is to say, it’s missing.”
A Triumphant Return to Acting on ‘Shrinking’
After stepping back from acting in the 2000s and officially retiring in 2020 due to his battle with Parkinson’s disease, Michael J. Fox is making a celebrated return. He’s joining the cast of the Emmy-winning comedy ‘Shrinking’ on Apple TV+ for a three-episode arc, five years after his retirement.
Fox, a fan of the show, was particularly drawn to Harrison Ford’s character, Dr. Paul Rhoades, who also has Parkinson’s. He proactively reached out to series creator and former ‘Spin City’ colleague Bill Lawrence. “You did a show about Parkinson’s, and you didn’t call me?” Fox jokingly asked, to which Lawrence responded, “Oh, you want to do it?” His experience on set was remarkably freeing: “It was the first time ever I get to show up on-set, and I didn’t have to worry about am I too tired or coughing or anything,” he shared. This role allows him to authentically portray someone with Parkinson’s, transforming potential challenges into elements of the performance itself.
Michael J. Fox: An Enduring Icon
From navigating Hollywood rivalries and personal struggles to embracing his unique voice and returning to acting on his own terms, Michael J. Fox’s journey is one of resilience and authenticity. His willingness to share behind-the-scenes stories and address fan curiosities only solidifies his status as a beloved figure in classic cinema. For fans of ‘Back to the Future’ and beyond, his contributions to entertainment and his courageous advocacy continue to inspire.
