04-12-2025 - on This Moment in Film History
Apr 12, 2025•2 min
Episode description
On April 12, 1985, the iconic sci-fi comedy "Back to the Future" had its first test screening in San Jose, California. The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale, starred Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, a teenager who accidentally travels back in time to 1955 in a modified DeLorean car invented by his eccentric scientist friend, Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd.
The test screening was a resounding success, with the audience reacting positively to the film's unique blend of science fiction, comedy, and nostalgia. However, there was one significant change made after the screening: the original actor cast as Marty McFly, Eric Stoltz, was replaced by Michael J. Fox.
Stoltz had already filmed several scenes, but the filmmakers felt that his performance wasn't quite right for the tone of the movie. They decided to take a risk and recast the role with Fox, who was then starring in the popular TV series "Family Ties." Fox had to juggle his TV commitments with the film's shooting schedule, often working long hours and rushing between sets.
Despite the challenges, Fox's performance as Marty McFly became one of the most beloved and iconic roles in cinema history. "Back to the Future" went on to become a critical and commercial success, spawning two sequels, an animated series, and numerous other adaptations and homages in popular culture.
The film's innovative use of special effects, memorable characters, and clever storytelling have cemented its place in cinema history, and its legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences to this day.
The test screening was a resounding success, with the audience reacting positively to the film's unique blend of science fiction, comedy, and nostalgia. However, there was one significant change made after the screening: the original actor cast as Marty McFly, Eric Stoltz, was replaced by Michael J. Fox.
Stoltz had already filmed several scenes, but the filmmakers felt that his performance wasn't quite right for the tone of the movie. They decided to take a risk and recast the role with Fox, who was then starring in the popular TV series "Family Ties." Fox had to juggle his TV commitments with the film's shooting schedule, often working long hours and rushing between sets.
Despite the challenges, Fox's performance as Marty McFly became one of the most beloved and iconic roles in cinema history. "Back to the Future" went on to become a critical and commercial success, spawning two sequels, an animated series, and numerous other adaptations and homages in popular culture.
The film's innovative use of special effects, memorable characters, and clever storytelling have cemented its place in cinema history, and its legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences to this day.
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