Michael J. Fox recently delved into the surprising reasons behind his role in the 1985 cult classic Teen Wolf, revealing in his new memoir, Future Boy, that a classic horror film starring Michael Landon might have swayed his decision during a chaotic period balancing Family Ties and the pivotal Back to the Future.
The year 1985 was nothing short of monumental for Michael J. Fox, a period that saw him star in two genre-defining films: the groundbreaking science fiction epic Back to the Future and the beloved fantasy-comedy Teen Wolf. While his journey to playing Marty McFly is legendary, Fox has recently shed light on the less-discussed origins of his role as Scott Howard, the high school basketball player who becomes a werewolf, offering a candid look into his motivations and the surprising influence of another iconic actor.
A Fortuitous Hiatus: How ‘Teen Wolf’ Landed on Fox’s Lap
At the time, Fox was a rising star, already a household name for his role as the conservative Alex P. Keaton on NBC’s hit sitcom Family Ties. The show, which ran from 1982 to 1989, unexpectedly went on an unscheduled hiatus in 1984. This break was necessitated when his on-screen mother, Meredith Baxter, who played Elyse Keaton, was prescribed mandatory bed rest during her real-life pregnancy with twins.
It was during this unexpected downtime that Fox’s agent, Bob Gersh, presented him with the script for Teen Wolf. Fox describes it as a “quick, low-budget movie” ready to start filming, with a tight five-week shooting schedule that perfectly aligned with the production break from Family Ties. Despite the role requiring him to wear “twenty-five pounds of yak hair” for his werewolf transformation, Fox signed on, marking his first leading role in a movie, as reported by People.com.
The Michael Landon Connection: A Werewolf Precedent
In his memoir, Fox admits to still being unsure of the exact reasons he accepted the role, pondering two main theories:
- Was it an impulsive decision, driven by the fear of missing another opportunity for a leading movie role?
- Or was it influenced by the prior success of Michael Landon in the 1957 film I Was a Teenage Werewolf?
Landon, who would later achieve widespread fame in iconic series like Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie, starred as troubled teen Tony Rivers, transformed into a werewolf by a hypnotherapist. While Landon’s film was a horror with a tragic conclusion, Fox’s Teen Wolf leaned into comedy, portraying Scott using his newfound powers to excel in basketball.
Fox noted in a 2001 interview with Emmy TV Legends.org that the idea of the “wolf thing” reminded him of Landon, making him “kind of laugh” at the prospect. This nostalgic connection to a successful precedent may have provided an unconscious nudge towards taking on the hairy role, as echoed in reports by Parade.
The ‘Back to the Future’ Conundrum
Unbeknownst to Fox at the time he accepted Teen Wolf, directors Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, and producer Steven Spielberg were simultaneously casting for Back to the Future, and Fox was their top choice for the lead role of Marty McFly. However, Gary David Goldberg, the creator and executive producer of Family Ties, had already turned them down without consulting Fox or his agent.
Goldberg’s concern was protecting his burgeoning sitcom, particularly at the show’s early stage. This created an ironic twist of fate: Fox unknowingly filmed Teen Wolf in Pasadena, California, near where Back to the Future was about to begin production with another actor, Eric Stoltz, in the lead.
When Stoltz was deemed unsuited for the “goofiness” of Marty McFly, Fox was finally offered the role. This led to an infamously grueling schedule where he filmed Family Ties during the day and Back to the Future at night, often working 18 to 20 hours daily. This intense period solidified his status as a major star in 1985.
Legacy of the Wolf: From Cult Classic to Franchise
Upon its release in August 1985, Teen Wolf faced a mixed critical reception. However, it proved to be a significant financial success, grossing over $30 million against a modest $4 million budget. This box office triumph secured its place as a cult classic, celebrated by fans for its charm and comedic elements.
The film’s popularity spawned a 1987 sequel, Teen Wolf Too, though Fox famously declined to return, stating, “If [Jason Bateman] wants to sit through hours and hours of makeup and have it slapped on and scraped off, good luck. I don’t.” The werewolf phenomenon continued with a 1986 animated series and, much later, a successful live-action MTV series, Teen Wolf, which aired from 2011. This enduring legacy highlights the film’s unexpected cultural impact, far beyond its initial critical response.
Fox’s memoir, Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum, offers fans a deep dive into these pivotal moments of his career and is available wherever books are sold.
