Questions
When did Back to the Future come out?
It was released on July 3, 1985, and went on to become the highest-grossing film of that year.
Who created Back to the Future?
It was directed by Robert Zemeckis, who co-wrote it with producer Bob Gale.
Is it true another actor played Marty McFly first?
Yes. Eric Stoltz was originally cast and began filming in November 1984, but director Robert Zemeckis felt his tone was too intense and serious rather than the screwball energy the part needed. Stoltz was let go in January 1985.
Why did they recast Marty McFly?
Michael J. Fox was the first choice all along but was tied up with the TV show Family Ties. Once he became available, he replaced Eric Stoltz, and the recasting reportedly added about $3.5 to $4 million and 34 filming days.
How did Michael J. Fox film this while doing Family Ties?
He juggled both at once, shooting Family Ties during the day and Back to the Future at night. Reportedly he was so exhausted that Teamster drivers had to carry the 23-year-old to bed.
Who else was considered to play Doc Brown?
Actors considered for Doc Brown included Jeff Goldblum, John Lithgow, Dudley Moore, and Robin Williams before Christopher Lloyd landed the role.
Why is the time machine a DeLorean and not another car?
The team loved the DeLorean’s gull-wing doors and unusual look. Ford reportedly offered $75,000 to use a Mustang instead, but producer Bob Gale insisted Doc Brown would not drive one.
Did the DeLoreans actually work on set?
Not always. Three DeLoreans were purchased for the production, and they proved unreliable and frequently broke down during filming.
Was the script hard to sell?
Very. Gale and Zemeckis pitched the time-travel idea starting in 1980 and were reportedly rejected around 40 times, with studios passing because it lacked the bawdy content of hits like Animal House and Porky’s.
What finally got the movie made?
Zemeckis’s success directing Romancing the Stone in 1984 gave him the credibility that convinced Universal Pictures to greenlight the project.
Did Eddie Van Halen really play on the soundtrack?
Yes. Eddie Van Halen personally performed the guitar riff heard in the scene where Marty wakes George as a masked alien, even though the band Van Halen declined to take part.
Was there drama over the Johnny B. Goode song?
Reportedly Chuck Berry withheld permission to use Johnny B. Goode until the day before filming wrapped, asking for $50,000.
How were the movie’s effects made?
Industrial Light & Magic created only about 27 to 32 effects shots because of a compressed nine-week post-production schedule. The clock tower lightning was reportedly hand-drawn in black ink on white paper by animators.
Has the film been officially recognized as a classic?
Yes. In 2007 it was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry, and it spawned two sequels in 1989 and 1990 plus a wider franchise.
