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Back to the Future has made a huge mark on the culture and it’s difficult to imagine that anyone else could play Marty McFly. But now 40-years on since it was released, the anniversary has once again highlighted that we could have had a very different film. Photo: IMDB
1/51Back to the Future has made a huge mark on the culture and it’s difficult to imagine that anyone else could play Marty McFly. But now 40-years on since it was released, the anniversary has once again highlighted that we could have had a very different film. Photo: IMDB
It still remains largely unknown that Eric Stoltz was originally cast as Marty McFly in Back to the Future, before being replaced by Michael J. Fox several weeks into filming. Picture: Paramount Pictures
2/51It still remains largely unknown that Eric Stoltz was originally cast as Marty McFly in Back to the Future, before being replaced by Michael J. Fox several weeks into filming. Picture: Paramount Pictures
In a 1993 interview with Bob Costas, Stoltz described being recast as “devastating”. Stoltz took a method approach and stayed in character even off-camera, but his ultra-serious vibe didn’t fit director Robert Zemeckis’s comedic vision. Co-star Lea Thompson said “Eric had such an intensity. He saw drama in things. He wasn’t really a comedian, and they needed a comedian.” Picture: YouTube
3/51In a 1993 interview with Bob Costas, Stoltz described being recast as “devastating”. Stoltz took a method approach and stayed in character even off-camera, but his ultra-serious vibe didn’t fit director Robert Zemeckis’s comedic vision. Co-star Lea Thompson said “Eric had such an intensity. He saw drama in things. He wasn’t really a comedian, and they needed a comedian.” Picture: YouTube
Stoltz reportedly shot around 50 scenes before he received the gut-wrenching blow. Picture: YouTube
4/51Stoltz reportedly shot around 50 scenes before he received the gut-wrenching blow. Picture: YouTube
Stoltz was rapidly gaining recognition at the time as a standout young actor, starring in memorable classic ‘The Wild Life’ a year prior to his axing. (1984). Picture: Getty
5/51Stoltz was rapidly gaining recognition at the time as a standout young actor, starring in memorable classic ‘The Wild Life’ a year prior to his axing. (1984). Picture: Getty
‘The Wild Life’ was a coming-of-age drama that followed a group of teenagers growing up in 1960s Los Angeles. It was one of the early roles that helped launch Eric’s career. Picture: IMDb
6/51‘The Wild Life’ was a coming-of-age drama that followed a group of teenagers growing up in 1960s Los Angeles. It was one of the early roles that helped launch Eric’s career. Picture: IMDb
Shortly after his firing, Eric landed the huge role of Rocky Dennis in The Mask. This 1985 biographical drama earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor and was released just three months before Back to the Future. Pictured alongside co-star Laura Dern/IMDb
7/51Shortly after his firing, Eric landed the huge role of Rocky Dennis in The Mask. This 1985 biographical drama earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor and was released just three months before Back to the Future. Pictured alongside co-star Laura Dern/IMDb
But although it gained critical acclaim, it only grossed $42 million worldwide, nine times less than Back to the Future’s box office success. Picture: IMDb
8/51But although it gained critical acclaim, it only grossed $42 million worldwide, nine times less than Back to the Future’s box office success. Picture: IMDb
While Stoltz continued to be cast in mid-budget films like Some Kind of Wonderful (1987), where his authentic performance alongside Mary Stuart Masterson, Lea Thompson, and Craig Sheffer earned praise, it wasn’t until 1993 that he truly cemented his spot in iconic cinema. Picture: Getty
9/51While Stoltz continued to be cast in mid-budget films like Some Kind of Wonderful (1987), where his authentic performance alongside Mary Stuart Masterson, Lea Thompson, and Craig Sheffer earned praise, it wasn’t until 1993 that he truly cemented his spot in iconic cinema. Picture: Getty
Enter Pulp Fiction. Eric Stoltz played Lance, the laid-back drug dealer who helps revive Uma Thurman’s character in one of the film’s most unforgettable scenes. Though it was a supporting role, Stoltz’s performance stood out. Picture: IMDb
10/51Enter Pulp Fiction. Eric Stoltz played Lance, the laid-back drug dealer who helps revive Uma Thurman’s character in one of the film’s most unforgettable scenes. Though it was a supporting role, Stoltz’s performance stood out. Picture: IMDb
Released in 1994, Pulp Fiction became a cultural phenomenon, redefining indie cinema. It grossed over $213 million worldwide. Picture: IMDb
11/51Released in 1994, Pulp Fiction became a cultural phenomenon, redefining indie cinema. It grossed over $213 million worldwide. Picture: IMDb
Pictured: Eric Stoltz attends the Opening Night Gala and 30th Anniversary Screening of Pulp Fiction during the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival/Getty
12/51Pictured: Eric Stoltz attends the Opening Night Gala and 30th Anniversary Screening of Pulp Fiction during the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival/Getty
Eric Stoltz took on many memorable roles after his Pulp Fiction success, including his turn as the kind and earnest John Brooke in the 1994 adaptation of Little Women. He played the soft-spoken tutor to Laurie, who was portrayed by Christian Bale at the time (and more recently by Timothée Chalamet). Pictured attending the Los Angeles premiere/Getty.
13/51Eric Stoltz took on many memorable roles after his Pulp Fiction success, including his turn as the kind and earnest John Brooke in the 1994 adaptation of Little Women. He played the soft-spoken tutor to Laurie, who was portrayed by Christian Bale at the time (and more recently by Timothée Chalamet). Pictured attending the Los Angeles premiere/Getty.
During the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival, Eric Stoltz and Samantha Mathis reunited on stage to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this period adaptation. Mathis played one of the March sisters, alongside Winona Ryder. Picture: Getty
14/51During the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival, Eric Stoltz and Samantha Mathis reunited on stage to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this period adaptation. Mathis played one of the March sisters, alongside Winona Ryder. Picture: Getty
Stoltz had a brief but memorable role in Jerry Maguire (1996) as Frank Cushman, a professional football player. Picture: YouTube
15/51Stoltz had a brief but memorable role in Jerry Maguire (1996) as Frank Cushman, a professional football player. Picture: YouTube
While the film is best known for unforgettable lines like “Show me the money!” and Tom Cruise’s charisma, Stoltz’s grounded interactions left a lasting impression on fans. Picture: YouTube
16/51While the film is best known for unforgettable lines like “Show me the money!” and Tom Cruise’s charisma, Stoltz’s grounded interactions left a lasting impression on fans. Picture: YouTube
Though his comedic chops were once questioned (as history shows), Stoltz surprised many with a standout guest role on Will & Grace in 2005, proving he could shine in a sitcom setting. Picture: NBCU
17/51Though his comedic chops were once questioned (as history shows), Stoltz surprised many with a standout guest role on Will & Grace in 2005, proving he could shine in a sitcom setting. Picture: NBCU
Eric Stoltz guest-starred in Grey’s Anatomy’s fifth season (2009) as William Dunn, a death-row inmate who becomes a patient, bringing his trademark intensity to the medical drama. Picture: Eric Stoltz Unofficial Site
18/51Eric Stoltz guest-starred in Grey’s Anatomy’s fifth season (2009) as William Dunn, a death-row inmate who becomes a patient, bringing his trademark intensity to the medical drama. Picture: Eric Stoltz Unofficial Site
He also went on to direct two episodes of the same season. Picture: Eric Stoltz Unofficial Site
19/51He also went on to direct two episodes of the same season. Picture: Eric Stoltz Unofficial Site
Stoltz had a recurring role on Glee as Dalton Rumba, the charismatic and often sarcastic coach of rival show choir, Vocal Adrenaline (2010 – 2014). Picture: Eric Stoltz Unofficial Site
20/51Stoltz had a recurring role on Glee as Dalton Rumba, the charismatic and often sarcastic coach of rival show choir, Vocal Adrenaline (2010 – 2014). Picture: Eric Stoltz Unofficial Site
But his more notable involvement came from directing twelve episodes over the course of the series, which helped him gain recognition as a director. In a 2012 Entertainment Weekly interview, Stoltz reflected on the experience, saying it gave his career a fresh new direction (pun-intended). Picture: Eric Stoltz Unofficial Site
21/51But his more notable involvement came from directing twelve episodes over the course of the series, which helped him gain recognition as a director. In a 2012 Entertainment Weekly interview, Stoltz reflected on the experience, saying it gave his career a fresh new direction (pun-intended). Picture: Eric Stoltz Unofficial Site
Eric Stoltz starred as Daniel Graystone, a brilliant but morally conflicted tech mogul, in Caprica (2010), the Battlestar Galactica prequel. Picture: Eric Stoltz Unofficial Site
22/51Eric Stoltz starred as Daniel Graystone, a brilliant but morally conflicted tech mogul, in Caprica (2010), the Battlestar Galactica prequel. Picture: Eric Stoltz Unofficial Site
The 18-episode series received sparkling reviews for its complex themes and strong performances – particularly Stoltz’s – but struggled to attract a wide audience. Picture: Eric Stoltz Unofficial Site
23/51The 18-episode series received sparkling reviews for its complex themes and strong performances – particularly Stoltz’s – but struggled to attract a wide audience. Picture: Eric Stoltz Unofficial Site
Stoltz appeared in Madam Secretary as Will Adams, Elizabeth McCord’s brother, in 2015. He served as the producing director for all six seasons and directed over 10 episodes. Picture: Getty
24/51Stoltz appeared in Madam Secretary as Will Adams, Elizabeth McCord’s brother, in 2015. He served as the producing director for all six seasons and directed over 10 episodes. Picture: Getty
He also directed 25 episodes of Bull during its run from 2016 to 2022. Notably, he directed the emotional series finale, titled ‘Goodbye.’ Picture: Getty
25/51He also directed 25 episodes of Bull during its run from 2016 to 2022. Notably, he directed the emotional series finale, titled ‘Goodbye.’ Picture: Getty
But while Stoltz clearly excels at playing and directing complex characters across different genres, we also can’t undermine the mind-blowing performance Michael J. Fox gave us in ‘Back to the Future’. Fox nailed Marty McFly’s fast-paced, sarcastic personality, portraying the perfect mix of charm and humour that brought this rebellious yet good-hearted teen to life. Picture: IMDb
26/51But while Stoltz clearly excels at playing and directing complex characters across different genres, we also can’t undermine the mind-blowing performance Michael J. Fox gave us in ‘Back to the Future’. Fox nailed Marty McFly’s fast-paced, sarcastic personality, portraying the perfect mix of charm and humour that brought this rebellious yet good-hearted teen to life. Picture: IMDb
On set, Michael’s energy and enthusiasm were infectious, bringing a natural ease to the time-travel adventure. Picture: IMDb
27/51On set, Michael’s energy and enthusiasm were infectious, bringing a natural ease to the time-travel adventure. Picture: IMDb
He was known for his incredible work ethic on set, juggling Back to the Future filming with his regular role on ‘Family Ties’, often shooting late into the night. Picture: IMDb
28/51He was known for his incredible work ethic on set, juggling Back to the Future filming with his regular role on ‘Family Ties’, often shooting late into the night. Picture: IMDb
Director Zemeckis said in a 1985 interview with Empire, “Michael was perfect for Marty. He brought a kind of energy and sincerity that made the character real and relatable. His timing was impeccable, and he was able to balance the humour and heart of the story effortlessly.” Picture: IMDb
29/51Director Zemeckis said in a 1985 interview with Empire, “Michael was perfect for Marty. He brought a kind of energy and sincerity that made the character real and relatable. His timing was impeccable, and he was able to balance the humour and heart of the story effortlessly.” Picture: IMDb
“It was clear that Michael was the right choice, not just because of his talent but because of how he connected with the material and the rest of the cast.” Picture: IMDb
30/51“It was clear that Michael was the right choice, not just because of his talent but because of how he connected with the material and the rest of the cast.” Picture: IMDb
Michael did many of his own skateboard stunts for Marty’s cool moves, helping make those scenes feel authentic. Picture: IMDb
31/51Michael did many of his own skateboard stunts for Marty’s cool moves, helping make those scenes feel authentic. Picture: IMDb
And even the famous “Johnny B. Goode” performance at the dance was actually Michael playing the guitar himself. Picture: Pinterest
32/51And even the famous “Johnny B. Goode” performance at the dance was actually Michael playing the guitar himself. Picture: Pinterest
“The best part of doing this movie was working with Chris. And it remains to this day the best part of talking about this movie, is being with Chris,” Fox warmly spoke of his co-star Christopher Lloyd who played Dr. Emmett Brown. Picture: IMDb
33/51“The best part of doing this movie was working with Chris. And it remains to this day the best part of talking about this movie, is being with Chris,” Fox warmly spoke of his co-star Christopher Lloyd who played Dr. Emmett Brown. Picture: IMDb
“I loved doing it. I loved the people I worked with. I loved the energy on set. I knew even at the time that it was special,” he said in a 2015 interview with The Guardian. Picture: Supplied
34/51“I loved doing it. I loved the people I worked with. I loved the energy on set. I knew even at the time that it was special,” he said in a 2015 interview with The Guardian. Picture: Supplied
Since this breakout role, Michael J. Fox has continued to win hearts with a range of jobs, including the $300 million grossing Stuart Little (1999). Picture: IMDb
35/51Since this breakout role, Michael J. Fox has continued to win hearts with a range of jobs, including the $300 million grossing Stuart Little (1999). Picture: IMDb
He voiced the loveable little mouse adopted by a couple, choosing him over a human child, in a quirky twist that has charmed audiences for years. Picture: IMDb
36/51He voiced the loveable little mouse adopted by a couple, choosing him over a human child, in a quirky twist that has charmed audiences for years. Picture: IMDb
In 2001, Fox lent his voice to the character of Milo Thatch in Disney’s Atlantis. Picture: Rotten Tomatoes
37/51In 2001, Fox lent his voice to the character of Milo Thatch in Disney’s Atlantis. Picture: Rotten Tomatoes
Disney fans fell in love with the movie’s adventurous tone and unique animation style. Picture: Supplied
38/51Disney fans fell in love with the movie’s adventurous tone and unique animation style. Picture: Supplied
But before diving into family-friendly PG roles, Michael J. Fox had a long history of blowing the socks of audiences. He starred in Casualties of War (1989), a gripping Vietnam War drama based on a real-life 1966 incident, where a group of American soldiers abducted and assaulted a Vietnamese woman. Picture: IMBb
39/51But before diving into family-friendly PG roles, Michael J. Fox had a long history of blowing the socks of audiences. He starred in Casualties of War (1989), a gripping Vietnam War drama based on a real-life 1966 incident, where a group of American soldiers abducted and assaulted a Vietnamese woman. Picture: IMBb
Fox’s performance was widely praised for its moral clarity. Picture: IMBb
40/51Fox’s performance was widely praised for its moral clarity. Picture: IMBb
Teen Wolf (1985) was another iconic film in his early career, where he took on the role of Scott Howard, a high school student who discovers he’s a werewolf. Picture: IMDb
41/51Teen Wolf (1985) was another iconic film in his early career, where he took on the role of Scott Howard, a high school student who discovers he’s a werewolf. Picture: IMDb
Fox’s infectious energy and knack for blending comedy with teen angst played a key role in the film’s popularity, leading to an MTV series spin-off decades later starring Tyler Posey and Dylan O’Brien. Picture: YouTube
42/51Fox’s infectious energy and knack for blending comedy with teen angst played a key role in the film’s popularity, leading to an MTV series spin-off decades later starring Tyler Posey and Dylan O’Brien. Picture: YouTube
The Frighteners (1996) blended horror, comedy, and fantasy in a unique way for its time. Fox starred as Frank Bannister, a cynical man who can see ghosts. Other notable films in which Fox appeared include ‘The Secret of My Success’, ‘Bright Lights, Big City’, ‘The Hard Way,’ and ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Picture: Getty
43/51The Frighteners (1996) blended horror, comedy, and fantasy in a unique way for its time. Fox starred as Frank Bannister, a cynical man who can see ghosts. Other notable films in which Fox appeared include ‘The Secret of My Success’, ‘Bright Lights, Big City’, ‘The Hard Way,’ and ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Picture: Getty
Michael J. Fox told People Magazine in a 2002 interview about his career trajectory that he “just got really lucky.” Sadly, in 1991, at the age of 29, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Pictured: Fox smiling at the ‘Back to the Future’ reunion in 2024/Getty
44/51Michael J. Fox told People Magazine in a 2002 interview about his career trajectory that he “just got really lucky.” Sadly, in 1991, at the age of 29, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Pictured: Fox smiling at the ‘Back to the Future’ reunion in 2024/Getty
He had been experiencing early symptoms of the disease, such as a slight tremor in his pinky finger, while filming Doc Hollywood (1991). Pictured: Michael J. Fox is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Joe Biden in 2025/Getty.
45/51He had been experiencing early symptoms of the disease, such as a slight tremor in his pinky finger, while filming Doc Hollywood (1991). Pictured: Michael J. Fox is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Joe Biden in 2025/Getty.
He kept the diagnosis private for several years, before founding the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000, which has become one of the largest non-profit organisations focused on Parkinson’s research. Picture: Supplied
46/51He kept the diagnosis private for several years, before founding the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000, which has become one of the largest non-profit organisations focused on Parkinson’s research. Picture: Supplied
His bravery in continuing to work and advocate for Parkinson’s awareness has garnered him widespread respect. Pictured: Woody Harrelson presents Michael J. Fox with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award onstage during the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 13th Governors Awards 2022/Getty.
47/51His bravery in continuing to work and advocate for Parkinson’s awareness has garnered him widespread respect. Pictured: Woody Harrelson presents Michael J. Fox with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award onstage during the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 13th Governors Awards 2022/Getty.
Michael J. Fox has featured in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, a testament to his inspiring career. Picture: Getty
48/51Michael J. Fox has featured in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, a testament to his inspiring career. Picture: Getty
Pictured: Fox presents the Best Film Award on stage during the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024/Getty
49/51Pictured: Fox presents the Best Film Award on stage during the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2024/Getty
Pictured: Fox and David Beckham backstage during the EE BAFTA Film Awards/Getty
50/51Pictured: Fox and David Beckham backstage during the EE BAFTA Film Awards/Getty
Fox has scaled back his career in recent years due to his ongoing health battle, but made a memorable return to television in 2020, reprising his role as Mike Flaherty on the NBC sitcom Spin City. He also appeared in guest spots on other TV series, such as The Good Wife and Designated Survivor. He is still widely regarded as one of the best actors of his generation. Picture: Getty
51/51Fox has scaled back his career in recent years due to his ongoing health battle, but made a memorable return to television in 2020, reprising his role as Mike Flaherty on the NBC sitcom Spin City. He also appeared in guest spots on other TV series, such as The Good Wife and Designated Survivor. He is still widely regarded as one of the best actors of his generation. Picture: Getty
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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/movies/shocking-first-choice-to-play-marty-mcfly-revealed/image-gallery/687d21a478afc715fe58c1ce4bd05070