Michael J. Fox Reflects on Crispin Glover's Eccentric Antics During 'Back to the Future' Filming

As the 40th anniversary of "Back to the Future" approaches in 2025, Michael J. Fox has reflected on the making of the iconic time-travel film in his new memoir "Future Boy." One of the more notable anecdotes involves his co-star Crispin Glover, who portrayed Marty McFly's hapless father, George McFly.

According to Fox, Glover "created friction" behind the scenes with his unconventional approach to the character. The actor reportedly had his own ideas about how and where George should move, often straying from the designated marks during filming. To keep Glover within the parameters of the shot, the camera crew had to "fabricate a miniature corral made of sandbags and C-stands, trapping Crispin into adhering to the parameters of the shot."

Despite the challenges, Fox says he "loved working" with Glover, whose "talent was unquestionable." He respected how the actor remained true to his interpretation of George, even if it meant clashing with the production team. As Fox notes, "Neither he nor Crispin ever did the same thing the same way twice," making for an unpredictable but rewarding collaboration.

The "Back to the Future" franchise went on to become a beloved classic, with Glover reprising his role as George McFly in the 1989 and 1990 sequels. Four decades later, Fox's recollections offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of this time-honored film.