Christopher Lloyd Shares His One Regret from Filming “Back to the Future Part III”: ‘I Still Feel That Pang in My Heart’

**Christopher Lloyd Reflects on Career and Regrets in New Memoir**

Christopher Lloyd, known for his iconic role as Dr. Emmett Brown in the beloved “Back to the Future” franchise, has shared insights about his life and career in his recently released memoir, “In My Own Time.” At 88 years old, the actor is still celebrating the legacy of the films that made him a household name while candidly reflecting on the trials and tribulations of his journey in Hollywood.

Among the various anecdotes revealed in the memoir, Lloyd expresses a particularly strong affection for “Back to the Future Part III,” which he considers his favourite film in the franchise. This final installment took audiences to the Wild West, where thrilling escapades awaited Marty McFly and Doc Brown. However, it also left Lloyd with a lingering sense of regret over a risky stunt that he was advised not to perform himself.

In “Back to the Future Part III,” there is a memorable scene where Doc Brown, played by Lloyd, gallops on horseback in a dramatic pursuit of a steam locomotive. Capturing the adrenaline of that moment, Lloyd recounts his desire to grab a handle on the train while riding beside it. Despite being explicitly told to leave the more dangerous parts of the stunt to a professional stuntman, Lloyd felt tempted to take the leap himself.

While describing the experience of riding alongside the train, Lloyd said, “I mean, it was right there. The train is hurtling along at some fantastic speed, and I’m so close I can feel it going whooooosh as it rattled alongside me.” The thrill of the moment almost dared him to break safety directives. “I just felt I can do this. It’s there. I almost put everything in jeopardy. But I didn’t, and that was a close call,” he reflected.

Though his inclination towards performing the stunt was strong, he ultimately adhered to the guidelines set by the crew, acknowledging the potential dangers involved. Even so, the actor confesses that a part of him still wishes he had taken the risk. “Who knows what would have happened next? But whenever I watch the movie and see that scene, I still feel that pang in my heart: I should have done it,” he lamented.

The high-energy train chase involved not only Lloyd but also his on-screen love interest, Clara Clayton, played by Mary Steenburgen. In a recent interview, Steenburgen recounted her own experience during the same sequence. She had spent considerable time training her horse for the role but faced a last-minute change when a wrangler switched horses before filming. Fortunately, she quickly realised that the new horse was well-suited for the task, allowing her to participate in the thrilling chase alongside the train.

Steenburgen also described the difficulties she faced while shooting the sequence: “The hardest part of all that was not the hanging upside down or any of that. It was walking across the top of the train, which had tons of logs and stuff,” she explained, highlighting the various challenges actors endure to bring their characters to life.

The original “Back to the Future” film debuted in 1985, directed by Robert Zemeckis and featuring a young Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, who is unexpectedly transported back in time in a DeLorean modified by Doc Brown. This timeless classic not only entertained audiences but also introduced them to a star-studded cast, including Lea Thompson, Thomas F. Wilson, and Crispin Glover.

Christopher Lloyd’s latest release, “In My Own Time,” offers more than just reflections on his iconic roles; it gives readers a deeper insight into the man behind some of cinema’s most memorable characters. Available wherever books are sold, the memoir promises to resonate with fans and those curious about Lloyd’s extraordinary career.

As the franchise continues to influence new generations, Lloyd’s candid recollections serve as a reminder of the risks and rewards of filmmaking, as well as the passion that drives seasoned actors to push their limits.