Michael J. Fox Details On-Set Challenges with Crispin Glover During ‘Back to the Future‘ Filming
in his newly released memoir, Future Boy, actor Michael J. Fox recounts experiencing creative tension with co-star Crispin Glover during the production of the 1985 time-travel classic Back to the Future. Fox describes Glover’s unconventional approach to portraying george McFly as a source of friction on set, requiring the crew to physically contain the actor to facilitate filming.
The revelation arrives as Fox’s memoir gains attention, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a landmark film. Glover’s performance as the initially hapless George McFly is iconic, but Fox’s account details the difficulties in capturing it. The dynamic ultimately led to Glover being recast for the sequels, Back to the Future Part II (1989) and Back to the Future Part III (1990), though Fox maintains respect for Glover’s dedication to his artistic vision.
According to Fox, Glover consistently deviated from established blocking during scenes. “Nobody puts Crispin in a box. But that didn’t prevent the camera crew from literally building a box around him,” Fox wrote, as reported by the New York Post. During one scene, Glover refused to remain within designated marks, prompting the crew to construct a makeshift “corral” of sandbags and C-stands to keep him within the shot’s parameters.
Fox explained that Glover appeared to interpret George McFly as a “wanderer,a free spirit who traveled in random patterns – in this case,perpendicular to the camera.” Despite the challenges,Fox emphasized that he “loved working” with Glover,acknowledging his “unquestionable” talent and respect for his commitment to the character.
“His talent was unquestionable, even though his methods sometimes created friction,” Fox noted. “Still, I respected how he remained true to George (as he understood and embodied him).” Fox also reflected on the unpredictable nature of working with both Glover and Christopher Lloyd, stating, “Neither he nor Crispin ever did the same thing the same way twice.”