Michael J. Fox Reveals His Dislike for Driving the DeLorean

Michael J. Fox has candidly shared his less-than-enthusiastic feelings about driving the iconic DeLorean in the classic film Back to the Future. In his newly released memoir, Future Boy, the 64-year-old actor reflects on his experiences during the production of the 1985 movie, revealing that what initially seemed exciting quickly turned into a frustrating endeavor.

In a passage from the book, Fox writes, “I get to drive the DeLorean. I know what you’re thinking … cool!” However, he quickly clarifies his sentiments, stating, “I thought so too, at first, but soon I grew to hate driving the DeLorean. First of all, let’s face it – it’s a s*** car. Slow to accelerate, with cheap appointments — and that’s before our special effects crew added their two cents (or several million dollars, all in).”

The actor elaborates on how the car became increasingly difficult to manage once the film’s prop team modified it with various time-traveling gadgets. He describes the added features, like the flux capacitor, as “rough-edged, metallic and sharp,” which contributed to an uncomfortable driving experience. Fox recalls driving the DeLorean left him with “hands crisscrossed with lacerations, my knuckles bruised, and my elbows contused from slamming into the space-edged console.” He humorously concludes, “As they say in show business, pain is temporary, film is forever.”

Behind the Scenes with Crispin Glover

The memoir also covers Fox’s interactions with Crispin Glover, who portrayed his on-screen father, George McFly. Fox describes Glover as a unique performer, whose unconventional methods occasionally posed challenges on set. “Nobody puts Crispin in a box,” he notes, recalling how the camera crew had to adapt to Glover’s free-spirited approach to acting.

Fox explains that Glover often disregarded stage directions, compelling the crew to devise creative solutions to keep him within the frame. “As George McFly, Crispin had his own ideas as to how and where his character should move,” Fox writes. To accommodate Glover’s wandering tendencies, the crew ultimately built a “miniature corral made of sandbags and C-stands,” ensuring he adhered to the shot’s parameters.

Despite the challenges, Fox expresses admiration for Glover’s dedication to his role. “His talent was unquestionable, although his methods sometimes created friction. Still, I respected how he remained true to George,” Fox reflects. He adds, “I knew Crispin Glover prior to Back to the Future. I wouldn’t, however, say I was prepared to act with him — there’s no way to prepare for Crispin.”

The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis and featuring a talented cast including Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Thomas F. Wilson, and Claudia Wells, went on to become one of the most successful films of the 1980s. Its cultural impact has endured, leading to two sequels and solidifying Fox’s status as a prominent figure in Hollywood.

As Fox reflects on his experiences in Future Boy, it’s clear that while the DeLorean may be a symbol of cinematic nostalgia, the realities of driving it were far less glamorous for the actor.