In early 1985, Michael J. Fox was one of the biggest stars on television. His world was about to get even bigger, but only if he could survive the kind of double duty unheard of in Hollywood. Fox’s days were already dedicated to rehearsing and taping the hit sitcom Family Ties, but then the chance of a lifetime came his way. Soon, he committed his nights to a new time-travel adventure film being directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by Steven Spielberg—Back to the Future. Sitcom during the day, movie at night—day after day, for months.

Fox’s nightly commute from a soundstage at Paramount to the back lot at Universal Studios, from one dream job to another, would become his own space-time continuum. It was in this time portal that Alex P. Keaton handed the baton to Marty McFly while Michael J. Fox tried to catch a few minutes of sleep. Alex’s bravado, Marty’s flair, and Fox’s comedic virtuosity all swirled together to create something truly special.

In Future Boy, Fox tells the remarkable story of playing two landmark roles at the same time—a slice of entertainment history that’s never been told. Using new interviews with the cast and crew of both projects, the result is a vividly drawn and eye-opening story of creative achievement by a beloved icon.

I purchased a copy of this book for my own reading.

I’ve always been a fan of Back to the Future series, in large part thanks to the incredible acting chops of Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. Future Boy is less a life story and more a behind the scenes look at the frantic period in 1985 when Fox straddled the worlds of TV sitcom and the silver screen that made the already well-known actor into a star.

The admittedly short book, only three and a half hours in audiobook form, is a perfectly formed view on the making of one of the best sci-fi films in history. Originally written for Fox, the role of Marty went to Eric Stoltz when he couldn’t get out of his commitments to Family Ties. In a blistering case of serendipity, that casting didn’t work out. A deal was struck that would see for many months, Fox filming Family Ties by day, and Back to the Future by night. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Short though it may be, to hear the book narrated by Michael made the story come to life. You could hear his passion and excitement for the franchise all these years later. It’s wonderfully interspersed with a series of quotes and soundbites from cast and crew, and in the audiobook their actual recordings between Fox and his cast, which adds real richness to the book. It’s a wonderful insight into a favourite film.

My rating: