As we move 40 years back to the future, the story of Marty McFly lives on in people’s hearts, young and old. Despite its age, the trilogy rallies new fans to this day.
The “Back to the Future” series stars Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, a young teen, as he travels through time to change events in his life and save the world.
The series began with Bob Galle and Robert Zemeckis, a producer and director, respectively. The idea came from Galle, who, looking at his father’s yearbook, questioned what would happen if he went to school with him.
The pair’s unremarkable track record with box office flops like “Used Cars” made green lighting the franchise difficult, along with many studios disliking the script.
However, after Zemeckis’ success directing the movie “Romancing the Stone,” and Steven Spielberg entry into the production as executive producer, the movie was green-lit by Universal Pictures.
After slight changes to the script, the team moved to casting roles. Their first choice for the role of Marty McFly was Michael J. Fox, who was the star of sitcom “Family Ties” at the time.
In regards to Michael Fox, Zemeckis exclaimed, “[He] is a great actor, he’s got a fabulous sense of comedy timing… he’s likeable. He’s funny.”
Unfortunately, “Family Ties” director Gary David Goldberg refused to let Fox see the script, for fear that Fox would leave the “Family Ties” show.
The “Back to the Future” filmmakers settled with Eric Stoltz, and began filming on Nov. 26, 1984. Taking the role of Dr. Emmet Brown was Christopher Lloyd, who nearly turned down the offer, only taking the role after his wife made him reconsider.
Quickly into filming, the filmmakers decided that Eric Stoltz had to go. His performance felt too serious for a role meant to be more comedic. Therefore, the filmmakers begged Goldberg to let Fox see the “Back to the Future” script, to which he agreed as long as Family Ties took priority.
Fox’s schedule filming both Back to the Future and Family Ties proved difficult as he spent the mornings filming the TV show, and nights filming the movie. Fortunately, Fox managed to balance the two roles while also squeezing in guitar lessons to prepare for his performance of “Johnny B. Goode” in “Back to the Future.”
Audiences fell in love with the movie immediately after its release, with the movie reaching the top of American box offices for 12 weeks.
English teacher Michael Vezzali-Pascual ’88 described the impact of the movie, expressing, “It was a scary time, so this film… in its humor, allowed us to look at things a little differently… in that sense, it was really great.”
Looking at the story from today’s perspective, young fan of the franchise, Travis Marymount ’29, exclaimed, “It’s comedic and fun… a memorable trilogy that I quote now, many years later.”
“Back to the Future” continues to have an impact on society today, enticing younger fans with its funny and inviting feel. Contrary to its story, the “Back to the Future” franchise is timeless.
