Overview

• The film’s milestone anniversary has revived discussion of early production tensions that led to Eric Stoltz’s replacement by Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly.
• Lea Thompson described the first installment as a “perfect” screenplay, emphasizing its tight storytelling and enduring appeal.
• Michael J. Fox recounted working 18-to-20-hour days while juggling night shoots for Back to the Future and daytime filming on Family Ties.
• Fox shared that his ongoing friendship with Stoltz emerged from candid conversations about their career turn and taught him lessons in acceptance and perseverance.
• Since its 1985 debut, Back to the Future has earned $381.1 million worldwide and expanded into two sequels, an animated series, a theme-park ride and a Broadway musical.