Behind the Scenes of Back to the Future: Why Eric Stoltz Was Fired for Michael J. Fox

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If Eric Stoltz hadn’t been replaced as Marty McFly in “Back to the Future“, his life trajectory could have taken a completely different course. However, fate had other plans – he was let go from the role instead.

and the cast and crew have been sharing stories about making their cherished time-travel film with various media outlets. Co-writer Bob Gale, director Robert Zemeckis, and lead actress Lea Thompson reminisced on set anecdotes to multiple interviewers – including the “difficult” process of transitioning from Eric Stoltz to Michael J. Fox in the main role.

did the memories of his new life influence his original memories, or could he remember both? This conversation can get more intriguing the more you discuss it and especially when having drinks.

Indeed, it’s long been a topic of discussion among Back to the Future fans – drunk or not.

Gale further clarified that Zemeckis dismissed Stoltz himself, and found that he seemed to handle it gracefully. In hindsight and speculation, Zemeckis suggested that perhaps Eric might have been relieved: the dismissal didn’t appear to be a crushing blow for him. It could be that Eric’s representatives saw this as an advantageous career move, given the involvement of Spielberg in the project. The future will tell!

It appears that Gale may have been mistaken on this topic. Contrary to what was suggested, Stoltz didn’t feel any sense of relief, as he stated in an interview that seems to date back to 1993. In the interview, Stoltz clarified that he was indeed fired from the project, expressing that the director wasn’t satisfied with his performance and that they were deep into filming at the time. He added that the director was “as nice as you can be while you’re firing someone.

He continued, “It was truly heart-breaking for me.” As a budding actor, he reflected, “it might have been one of the most detrimental events in your professional journey.

Thompson Was Sad About Stoltz’s Firing

Stoltz was dismayed, and so was his fellow actor Lea Thompson. “It was terrible,” she shared with The Guardian. “He was my friend and undeniably an exceptional performer.

I’d often find myself expressing that creating a film seems like an amusing and joyful endeavor, with us all laughing for the 14 hours we spend in the midst of a street somewhere. However, it’s also intimidating because you have to foster a sense of camaraderie quickly, as if you’re building a small family. So when someone is let go, it’s a reminder that this is indeed a significant business, involving substantial investments and high stakes.

For several decades, Stoltz has steered his career as a successful television director without discussing “Back to the Future” openly. Moreover, he avoids participating in any documentaries, fan gatherings, or behind-the-scenes events tied to “Back to the Future.

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2025-07-05 00:08