Michael J. Fox Debunks ‘Back to the Future’ Rivalry Ahead of Acting Comeback

Michael J. Fox recently shared insights about his early career, particularly his role in the iconic film series “Back to the Future.” Initially, Eric Stoltz was cast as Marty McFly, but he was replaced by Fox a few weeks into filming.
The Transition to Marty McFly
Fox’s replacement of Stoltz came about after filmmakers recognized that Stoltz was not the right fit for the role. This switch marked a crucial moment in Fox’s career.
Meeting Eric Stoltz
Decades later, Fox and Stoltz met for the first time while Fox was writing his book, “Future Boy.” The book reflects on his experiences during the simultaneous production of “Back to the Future” and “Family Ties.” Although Stoltz did not participate in the book, Fox expressed admiration for him, noting their positive conversation.
Addressing Rivalry Myths
Rumors of animosity between Fox and Stoltz have circulated for years. Fox dismissed these notions, stating, “There’s all this mythology built up about this thing.” He clarified that their different experiences with the situation were not malicious and emphasized the importance of moving on.
Health Challenges and Comeback
Michael J. Fox’s career faced interruptions due to his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, leading him to reduce his acting presence during the 2000s and 2010s. After retiring from acting in 2020, he is preparing for a return.
Joining “Shrinking” on AppleTV+
Now at the age of 64, Fox has joined the cast of the Emmy-winning series “Shrinking.” He will feature in a three-episode arc, portraying a character who also has Parkinson’s disease, mirroring his real-life experience.
- Role: Guest star in “Shrinking”
- Episodes: Three-episode arc
- Character: A character with Parkinson’s
Fox revealed that upon seeing the show, he reached out to series creator Bill Lawrence, expressing interest in a role. Lawrence developed a concept for Fox’s character, which remains under wraps.
On-Set Experience
Returning to acting has been a refreshing experience for Fox. He noted that for the first time, he could focus on his performance without the burden of his health concerns. “It was really good,” Fox commented, highlighting the unique opportunity it provided him.
As Fox embarks on this new chapter in acting, fans eagerly anticipate seeing him in “Shrinking,” showcasing both his talent and his resilience in the face of adversity.