Michael J. Fox Reveals Tension with Crispin Glover on Back to the Future Set

NEW YORK, NY – Michael J. Fox has shared behind-the-scenes tales from the set of the iconic film Back to the Future, particularly regarding his co-star Crispin Glover, who played George McFly. In his new memoir, Future Boy, Fox recounts how Glover’s unique performance style sometimes created tension during filming.

Fox noted that Glover had his own ideas about how to portray his character, which didn’t always align with the director’s vision. “Nobody puts Crispin in a box,” Fox wrote, humorously referencing how the camera crew had to physically confine Glover with sandbags and equipment to keep him within the shot during filming. “As Crispin approached the camera, he was meant to stay in a lane. But Crispin had a different plan,” he added.

According to Fox, Glover’s spontaneous approach to his role led to unexpected situations. “My guess is that he saw George as a wanderer, a free spirit who traveled in random patterns,” Fox explained.

Despite these challenges, Fox expressed admiration for Glover’s talent. “His methods sometimes created friction, but I respected how he remained true to George as he understood and embodied him,” Fox wrote. Fox praised Glover’s dedication to his character, even as it presented difficulties for the film crew.

Glover, who was just 21 at the time, declined to reprise his role in the sequels, and the character was recast. Fox’s reflections on working with Glover highlight the actor’s unpredictable nature, stating he had “never done the same thing the same way twice” during filming.

Fox’s memoir reveals various aspects of his life, including his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with at age 29. He continues to candidly share his experiences both on and off set.