Imagine stepping onto the set of one of the most iconic films in history, only to find yourself in the middle of a creative storm. That’s exactly what happened during the making of Back to the Future, as Michael J. Fox recently revealed in his memoir, Future Boy. Now, 40 years after the film’s release, Fox takes us behind the scenes of the 1985 time-travel classic, shedding light on the unexpected tensions that arose—particularly with his co-star, Crispin Glover.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while Glover’s portrayal of George McFly, Marty’s (Fox) awkward father, is now legendary, his unconventional methods on set reportedly caused quite a stir. Fox describes Glover as a force of nature, someone who refused to be confined by traditional acting norms. ‘Nobody puts Crispin in a box,’ Fox writes, ‘but that didn’t stop the camera crew from literally building one around him.’ According to the New York Post, Glover had his own vision for how George McFly should move and behave, often deviating from the director’s instructions.
And this is the part most people miss: during one scene, Glover refused to stay on his mark, seemingly interpreting George as a ‘wanderer’ whose movements were as unpredictable as his personality. ‘As Crispin approached the camera, he was supposed to stay between the clothesline and me,’ Fox recalls. ‘But he had other ideas—his path was perpendicular to the camera, as if George was charting his own course.’ Frustrated but determined, the crew resorted to building a makeshift corral of sandbags and C-stands to keep Glover within the shot.
Despite the friction, Fox admits he ‘loved working’ with Glover, whose talent was undeniable. ‘His methods were unconventional, but I respected how he stayed true to his interpretation of George,’ Fox notes. Interestingly, Glover did not return for the film’s sequels, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.
Fox also reflects on his pre-existing relationship with Glover, stating, ‘I knew Crispin before *Back to the Future, but nothing could prepare you for working with him.’* He draws a comparison to co-star Christopher Lloyd, noting that both actors were unpredictable in their own ways. ‘Neither of them ever did the same thing twice,’ Fox adds, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of collaborating with such dynamic performers.
But here’s the question that lingers: Was Glover’s approach a brilliant artistic choice or a disruptive force on set? Some might argue that his methods enriched the character of George McFly, while others could see it as a hindrance to the filmmaking process. What do you think? Did Glover’s unconventional style elevate the film, or did it create unnecessary chaos? Let’s spark a discussion in the comments—because when it comes to creativity, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
