Eric Stoltz filmed five weeks as Marty before Michael J. Fox replaced him
In the discussion (8)
- Michael J. Fox was initially unavailable because Family Ties needed him while Meredith Baxter Birney was absent
- Eric Stoltz filmed for five weeks but was judged too dramatic, insufficiently comic, and unconvincing on a skateboard
- The studio approved spending another $3 million to replace Stoltz and reshoot with Fox
- Stoltz continued filming temporarily after the replacement decision while the production secured Fox
- Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson are quoted describing Stoltz as talented but too intense for the needed comedy
- Johnny Depp, Charlie Sheen, John Cusack, Ralph Macchio, and C. Thomas Howell were also considered or auditioned
- John Cusack is judged a plausible alternate because he could balance comedy, drama, awkwardness, and charm
- Fox’s athletic physical comedy is credited as essential to the final performance
John Lithgow and other alternate casting history
In the discussion (4)
- John Lithgow is reported as the first choice for Doc Brown and is judged plausible
- J.J. Cohen was reportedly moved from Biff to a cohort because he was not imposing enough opposite Stoltz
- Melora Hardin was reportedly released as Jennifer after Fox replaced Stoltz because of their height difference
- An Al Pacino Doc Brown is performed as a comic hypothetical rather than reported casting
Anthony Michael Hall for George and William Zabka for Biff lead several ideas
In the discussion (4)
Alternate nuclear climax, Stoltz footage, Fox schedule, VHS ending, and Oscar result
In the discussion (6)
- The original climax reportedly involved driving through a Nevada nuclear test before cost prompted the clock tower
- Lea Thompson was reportedly dating Dennis Quaid during filming
- A shot of Eric Stoltz’s hand reportedly remains in Biff’s punch scene
- Michael J. Fox reportedly worked Family Ties by day and the film overnight
- The To Be Continued card was reportedly added to VHS but absent from theatrical and DVD versions
- Power of Love was Oscar-nominated but lost to Say You, Say Me
Band audition, adult sibling at home, Jeep reaction, George’s income, and transformed Lorraine
In the discussion (7)
- The Pinheads are questioned for being dismissed after only five seconds
- Marty is criticized for treating the group like a backing band without practicing or rehearsing
- Performing The Heart of Rock and Roll is proposed as a stronger audition choice
- Adult Dave McFly still living at home after the timeline improves is questioned
- Marty’s reaction to receiving an expensive Jeep is judged too restrained
- George’s job and ability to afford the Jeep are unclear
- Lea Thompson should have been shown in a Jane Fonda aerobics outfit to emphasize how much better the new timeline is
Hearing damage, concussions, dog care, Doc-Marty friendship, Doc’s private life, duplicate selves, and parental recognition
In the discussion (7)
- Marty’s likely tinnitus from the opening amplifier blast is questioned
- Marty’s repeated concussions across the trilogy are questioned
- Doc is judged a bad dog owner for automated feeding and using Einstein in the time machine
- The origin and propriety of teenage Marty’s friendship with adult Doc are questioned
- Whether Doc Brown is a lifelong bachelor, asexual, or gay is speculated about
- Whether two versions of one person can occupy the same place and time is questioned
- The failure of Marty’s parents to recognize their son as Calvin is debated, with Bob Gale reportedly arguing they knew Calvin only briefly thirty years earlier
Casting What-Ifs