Eric Stoltz, a talented American actor, director, and producer, is perhaps best known for his roles in films like Mask and Pulp Fiction . However, one of the most intriguing chapters in his career involves his brief but significant stint as Marty McFly in the iconic film Back to the Future .
The Casting of Marty McFly
In the early stages of production for Back to the Future , Michael J. Fox was the first choice for the role of Marty McFly. However, due to his commitments to the TV show Family Ties , Fox was initially unavailable. This led the producers to consider other actors, with Eric Stoltz eventually being cast in the role. Stoltz was favored by Sidney Sheinberg, the CEO at the time, despite the producers' initial preference for C. Thomas Howell.
Filming with Stoltz began in late 1984, but it quickly became apparent that his approach to the character was not aligning with the vision of director Robert Zemeckis and writer Bob Gale. Stoltz, known for his method acting, brought a serious and intense tone to the role, which clashed with the comedic and light-hearted direction the filmmakers intended for the film.
The Decision to Replace Stoltz
After about five weeks of filming, Zemeckis and Gale decided that Stoltz was not the right fit for the role. They felt that his performance lacked the comedic timing and energy required for Marty McFly. This realization led to the difficult decision to replace Stoltz with Michael J. Fox, who had by then become available due to adjustments in his Family Ties schedule.
The replacement process was not without its challenges. The crew had to reshoot nearly all the scenes that had been filmed with Stoltz, which was a costly and time-consuming endeavor. Despite these hurdles, the decision to bring in Fox proved to be pivotal in shaping the film into the beloved classic it is today.
Reactions and Reflections
Lea Thompson, who played Lorraine Baines in the film, recalled that Stoltz had an intensity that didn't match the comedic tone needed for the role. She noted that while Stoltz is funny in real life, his acting approach was more dramatic, which didn't fit the film's requirements.
Thompson also shared that she had to 'warm up' to Michael J. Fox after Stoltz was fired, as she initially found Fox's presence on set to be somewhat alienating. However, she eventually grew to appreciate Fox's charm and talent, which significantly contributed to the film's success.
Eric Stoltz's Career Beyond 'Back to the Future'
Despite the setback with Back to the Future , Eric Stoltz has had a prolific and diverse career. He is renowned for his portrayal of Rocky Dennis in the biographical drama Mask , for which he received a Golden Globe nomination. Stoltz has also appeared in notable films such as Some Kind of Wonderful , Pulp Fiction , and The Fly II .
In addition to his acting career, Stoltz has ventured into directing and producing. He has directed several episodes of popular TV shows like Glee and Madam Secretary , and has been involved in various other projects across film and television.
The story of Eric Stoltz and Back to the Future serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties of film production. While Stoltz's tenure as Marty McFly was short-lived, his contributions to the film industry are undeniable, and his legacy continues to be celebrated through his diverse body of work.
