Back to the Future's Star, Tom Wilson, Recalls a Surprising Truth About the Original Marty McFly Actor, Eric Stoltz: 'Treating Me Very Badly'
The iconic film, Back to the Future, is not just a beloved classic about time travel and alternate realities; it's also a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of making a blockbuster. In a recent interview, Tom Wilson, who played the memorable character Biff Tannen, revealed a surprising truth about the original Marty McFly actor, Eric Stoltz. Wilson's account sheds light on the creative differences and the intense pressure that led to Stoltz's replacement by the now-iconic Michael J. Fox.
A Different Take on Marty McFly
Wilson, who was relatively new to the film industry at the time, shared his experience working with Stoltz. He described Stoltz's approach to the role as highly methodical, almost to the point of being demanding. Stoltz wanted to be addressed as 'Marty' by everyone on set, including the crew and even the director, Robert Zemeckis. This level of immersion, while impressive, created a challenging environment for Wilson and the other cast members.
"He was treating me very badly, because he wanted to be called 'Marty' by everyone. By everyone. By the hairstylist, the director, everyone. He was trying to embody Marty," Wilson recalled. This intense focus on method acting, while admirable, created a power dynamic that made Wilson feel like he was being pushed around by a more experienced actor.
A Young Actor's Perspective
As a stage actor transitioning to the big screen, Wilson felt the pressure to adapt to Stoltz's style. He described it as a 'selective method' that, at the time, he didn't fully appreciate. "I thought it was odd coming in because he had been in a movie with Leah Thompson. He was supposed to be uncomfortable around her, but to him, she was Leah, and they were all palsy-wowsy there, but he's treating me bad," Wilson explained. This dynamic created a sense of unease on set, and Wilson felt that Stoltz's approach was not productive for the overall production.
A Surprising Turn of Events
The situation took an even more surprising turn when Stoltz was fired just over a month into filming. This was a significant and unusual move for a major film production. Wilson was shocked and initially believed that the film was being canceled. However, the director and executives called him into the Universal Pictures office, and the truth became clear: Michael J. Fox, a TV star, was being brought in to replace Stoltz.
"Michael got the script, he understood the vibe of the whole thing... so he got what everyone was doing, myself, Crispin [Glover]..." Wilson explained. "So he came in and took the movie! Took it! And so it became what it became... I was so relieved. I was so relieved. Because it just felt like we did a scene together, not that you were doing a thing and I was doing a thing."
Fox's Humility and Impact
Wilson praised Fox's humility and his ability to connect with the cast and crew. Unlike Stoltz, Fox approached the role with a sense of insecurity, which Wilson found amusing. "He was intimidated... He was insecure, which was funny," Wilson said. This contrast in personalities and approaches had a significant impact on the set dynamic and the overall production.
A Lasting Legacy
Back to the Future remains a legendary film and a beloved trilogy, and its impact on popular culture is undeniable. The film's success can be attributed, in part, to the chemistry between the cast members and the seamless blend of humor and adventure. While the behind-the-scenes drama may have been intense, it ultimately contributed to the film's iconic status. So, the next time you watch Back to the Future, take a moment to appreciate the talent and dedication of the cast and crew, and perhaps reflect on the surprising truths that make this classic even more fascinating.
