Michael J. Fox opens up about his tense relationship with Crispin Glover, his father in ‘Back to the Future’, after 40 years | Films

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Actor Michael J. Fox opened up about the tense relationship between him and the team of ‘Back to the Future’ (1985) with his colleague Crispin Glover. In the classic directed by filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, Glover gave life to George McFly, father of protagonist Marty McFly played by Fox.

Michael J. Fox exposed his memories of his dynamics with Glover in the book ‘Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum’ (in free translation: ‘Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum’).

Actor Michael J. Fox at an event for his foundation, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, in the city of Nashville — Photo: Getty Images
Actor Michael J. Fox at an event for his foundation, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, in the city of Nashville — Photo: Getty Images

The work is mainly centered on Michael J. Fox’s period working on the ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy, but it also features more personal accounts about his treatments for Parkinson’s Disease.

The cover of Michael J. Fox's memoir — Photo: Reproduction
The cover of Michael J. Fox’s memoir — Photo: Reproduction

Crispin Glover is also remembered for his work as the villain in ‘Charlie’s Angels’ (2000) and ‘Charlie’s Angels’ (2003).

He is famous for “working under the method”, living his characters full time while filming his feature films.

Michael J. Fox and Crispin Glover in a scene from the classic 'Back to the Future' (1985) — Photo: Disclosure
Michael J. Fox and Crispin Glover in a scene from the classic ‘Back to the Future’ (1985) — Photo: Disclosure

Crispin Glover in Back to the Future (1985) — Photo: Reproduction
Crispin Glover in Back to the Future (1985) — Photo: Reproduction

Due to his tensions with the 1985 film crew, Glover did not return to film the sequels to ‘Back to the Future’ released in 1989 and 1990.

Crispin Glover in a scene from the Charlie’s Angels franchise films — Photo: Reproduction
Crispin Glover in a scene from the Charlie’s Angels franchise films — Photo: Reproduction

Michael J. Fox reported in ‘Future Boy’: “Like George McFly, Crispin had his own ideas about how and where his character should develop.” He later said that his colleague’s stance resulted in “tensions” with screenwriter Bob Gale and director Robert Zemeckis.

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Then Fox later stated: “I loved working with him. His talent was unquestionable, although his methods sometimes created friction. Still, I respected how he stayed true to George (the way he understood and embodied the character).”

Michael J. Fox with Lea Thompson and Crispin Glover in Back to the Future (1985) — Photo: Disclosure
Michael J. Fox with Lea Thompson and Crispin Glover in Back to the Future (1985) — Photo: Disclosure

The artist concluded on the topic by joking: “I already knew Crispin Glover from before ‘Back to the Future’. I wouldn’t say, however, that I was prepared to act with him — there’s no way to prepare for Crispin.”

Watch the trailer for the classic 1985 film below: