Christopher Lloyd, the iconic actor known for his role as Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown in the 1985 classic *Back to the Future*, recently reminisced about the film’s production and the moment that Michael J. Fox was cast as Marty McFly. In a conversation with *PEOPLE*, Lloyd detailed the experience of seeing Fox take over the role after the original actor, Eric Stoltz, was replaced just six weeks into filming.
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The decision to bring in Fox was made by writer-director Robert Zemeckis, co-writer Bob Gale, and producer Steven Spielberg. They gathered the cast and crew one evening to announce the unexpected change. “That was kind of a stunning announcement,” commented Lloyd, recalling his initial feelings of concern. He worried about having to replicate the hard work that had already been put into six weeks of shooting, a process he described as quite intense.
However, Lloyd’s apprehension quickly dissipated upon Fox’s arrival on set. Despite juggling his newfound role in *Back to the Future* with commitments to the sitcom *Family Ties*, Fox brought an infectious energy that Lloyd attributed to the film’s dynamic. “As soon as Michael stepped in, it was just his energy, spontaneity, it was humour,” he explained. Lloyd felt that the chemistry between their characters was instantly palpable, stating, “It was like Doc and Marty were born. And it’s never quit. We’re still there.”
*Back to the Future* went on to become the highest-grossing film of 1985, paving the way for two sequels, *Back to the Future Part II* and *Back to the Future Part III*, which were released in 1989 and 1990, respectively. Throughout the years, Lloyd and Fox have maintained their bond, frequently reuniting at fan conventions. “Even if we do a signing together, we just have that energy,” Lloyd reflected, expressing hope for more opportunities to collaborate in the future.
In addition to discussing his working relationship with Fox, Lloyd also mentioned his upcoming memoir, *In My Own Time*, which is now available for readers. As he approached his 88th birthday, he cleverly referenced his character’s time travel machine, the DeLorean, which famously requires 88 miles per hour to activate. In a humorous tone, he wrote, “I’m eighty-seven as I write this and will soon hit eighty-eight, which, I am told, is when you’re going to see some serious s—.”
Fox, who has long admired Lloyd’s contributions to the film industry, recognised the occasion with enthusiasm. Celebrating his co-star’s milestone birthday, he shared a playful Instagram post featuring the duo having dinner, captioning it with a nod to their film’s lore: “Great Scott you’re 88! That’s some serious s—, love you! 😎”
The enduring friendship between Lloyd and Fox stands as a testament to the lasting impact of *Back to the Future*. Their shared experiences and mutual admiration continue to resonate with fans worldwide, ensuring that the legacy of “Doc and Marty” lives on in popular culture. Lloyd’s memoir offers a glimpse into not only his life but also the behind-the-scenes stories that have shaped his career.
As the two actors remember their time making the beloved film, both continue to inspire new generations of fans. The story of *Back to the Future* remains as captivating today as it was upon its initial release, with Lloyd and Fox at the heart of its undeniable charm and success.