Eric Stoltz vs Michael J. Fox (Back to the Future Comparison)

The video is a comparison of the acting of Eric Stoltz (the original actor who played Marty McFly) and Michael J. Fox (the Marty McFly we know from the classic film).

Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale had planned for Michael J. Fox to play protagonist "Marty McFly" in the first Back to the Future film. But Fox was already starring in the famous sitcom, "Family Ties". Gary David Goldberg, the producer of the sitcom didn't allow Fox to be casted in "Back to the Future" because it would restrict his time to film on "Family Ties". As a result they got Eric Stoltz (best known for playing Rocky Dennis in the 1985 film Mask) to play Marty.

After filming for several weeks, Zemeckis was unsatisfied with the result of the film, because Eric Stoltz was a method actor and didn't get the humour that was written in the script. They fired Stoltz, and Goldberg allowed Fox to film "Back to the Future". Michael J. Fox worked at "Family Ties" during the day, and worked on "Back to the Future" at night. His only opportunities to film the movie during the day was during weekends. Michael J. Fox worked on average 20 hours per day.

[ImJustATheory]

I want to thank The Flash film (2023) for boosting my viewership. Thanks for the BTTF reference. Truly yours, IJAT!

[BritneyPulse]

MJ Fox had the confidence, playfulness and the right attitude to play Marty. He's insanely charismatic, charming and likable

[ryanwilliams]

Erics facial expressions lacks curiosity while Michaels is bursting with it, that was the selling point.

[DanMakabre]

seeing them side by side, it all makes perfect sense. Eric just had too much of a serious overtone to everything he did. Michael had the natural boyish charm combined with the comedic body language he made his bones with on Family Ties. So crazy to think that such a legendary movie went through such a drastic change despite already being so far into shooting.

[klavier]

It's kind of funny with it being a movie about time traveling, it's almost like an alternate timeline.

[clocko]

Mind blowing how an actor can change the whole atmosphere of a movie

[cadenevans]

How much would that suck... filming nearly an entire movie, getting replaced from the lead role, and around 35 years later, it’s one of the biggest movies of all time.

[GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

Robert Zemeckis actually wanted to go back to the year 1983 in a time machine and tell himself not to cast Eric Stoltz, but Christopher Lloyd told him that doing so would have disastrous consequences on future events.

[somethingtojenga]

It's just so perfect that this movie, that represents what Time is, clearly has at least two possible alternate timelines

[ncdxero]

MJF's face of cofusion and disbelief, the way he fumbled on the street, fits the situation. Eric, looked too cool. Like he's a badass protagonist that cant be fazed.

[Newjourney]

eric would have given the movie a little more "serious" and "dark" take. fox fit better with the movies charming/cartoonish vibe. perfect acting from fox to capture the tone. eric wasn't capturing the tone.

[dtnetlurker]

Zemekis explained it perfectly in an interview: They had originally went for a darker movie and a less light hearted protrayal and more dramatic, then after watching a rough cut of the film they knew they had a disaster on their hands if they didn't lighten it up a bit script wise and get a more charismatic actor. They decided total reshoots of the Marty scenes were needed and they were definitely right.

[leilaniwynn]

I feel like Eric was just too adult looking, like he knew what he was doing. Michael looks like an awkward teen, which makes more sense.

[ericoliver]

I feel like it would have had a darker tone with Eric, it would be more like a sci-fi thriller than a sci-fi action comedy.

[TubeDupe]

The reshoot must have been so weird for all the other actors.

[SharonPorts]

MJF seemed to be more animated at unbelievable time lines. I noticed he leaned in more and stumbled around in aw. He also breathed more heavily in star-struck moments, and his eyes moved more intensely like someone experiencing a time warp would, trying to get all details with where he’s at. This makes it more believable and even wraps the audience in with belief. Thank they chose the right man.

[davidedwards]

You can tell with the facial expressions alone, Michael J. Fox was the right choice.

[lukejohnson]

In my humble opinion, Michael J. Fox and Back To The Future is one of the most brilliant casting choices in the entire history of movies.

[SmallWorldAcademy]

It's interesting how Eric's 1985 Marty outfit is completely different than the one that Michael wears. If they stuck with Eric the, "Life preserver" joke would never have happened.

[BreneWilson]

It's not about who's the better actor. They both are great. They have their own style. But I will say that the version with Michael in the role just perfectly works. I'm sure the one with Stoltz might have worked too but it would have a totally different vibe than this one. It's like if Michael played Rocky in Mask. It would change the feel of it completely. Stoltz was a perfect fit for that movie.