Michael J. Fox is reflecting on one of the most challenging moments he had while filming Back to the Future.
In an exclusive new interview with Parade for the movie’s 40th anniversary, the legendary actor revealed which scene was the toughest to film.
After Marty McFly — played by Fox — is sent back to 1985 after traveling through time, he rushes to Doc Brown’s (Christopher Lloyd) side and breaks down in tears because he believes Libyan terrorists had shot and killed him.
In a shocking twist, Brown sits up — revealing he had been wearing a bulletproof vest the entire time. Despite previously warning McFly not to disrupt the space-time continuum by warning of future events, Brown read a note McFly sent from the future warning the mad scientist of his demise. Therefore, he knew to wear a bulletproof vest, which ultimately saved his life.
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Why was the scene so difficult to film?
The scene was so emotionally heavy, Fox admitted that even executive producer Steven Spielberg was concerned that the young actor — who was only 23 at the time of filming —couldn’t it pull off.
“He didn’t think I’d be able to do it,” he said. “It’s like I had to go from 90 miles per hour and just drop and be like, ‘My friend is dead.’ It’s a morose moment.”
While Fox admitted the scene was, in fact, “very difficult to do,” he’s proud of how it turned out.
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How can fans celebrate Back to the Future’s 40th anniversary?
Back to the Future was first released on July 3, 1985 — with 2025 marking 40 years since the beginning of the epic trilogy.
To commemorate the beloved series, AMC is showing the first installment in theaters nationwide starting Thursday, Oct. 30.
Additionally, starting Sunday, Oct. 26, moviegoers can purchase a Back to the Future collectible light up Time Machine popcorn holder and commemorative cup while supplies last.
The popcorn bucket is shaped like the DeLorean Time Machine from the movies with horizontal wheels, wing-style doors, and time machine equipment attached to the back. The commemorative cup, on the other hand, features artwork of Doc Brown steering the DeLorean as it travels through space and time.
RELATED: Michael J. Fox Opens Up About the Grueling Time He Juggled 2 Iconic Roles
What does Fox have to say about his iconic role?
During his interview with Parade, Fox shared his theory as to why Back to the Future remains so popular four decades after its initial release.
“It’s really interesting,” the Emmy-winning actor said on a Zoom chat from his apartment in New York City. “The movie was made in 1985 and we go into 1955. But now that time span has been eclipsed. So even though there’s a huge gap of time, the movie is now more accessible because you don’t have to go into it with a connection to any period. So kids can watch it and not feel like they’re walking into something. They can just relate to the whole story.”
Further reflecting on his experience, Fox released his memoir Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum on Oct. 14.
The book chronicles his time juggling his iconic role of Marty McFly in the film series while also starring as Alex P. Keaton in the sitcomFamily Ties.
Future Boy is available on Amazon.com or wherever books are sold.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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