Back to the Future is a legendary film with truly unforgettable characters, and in Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum, we get a firsthand account of the filming of the original film from it’s star, Michael J. Fox. Co-authored with Nelle Fortenberry, Future Boy explores this pivotal time in Fox’s life–and how it almost didn’t happen.
In early 1985, Michael J. Fox was one of the biggest stars on television. His world was about to get even bigger, but only if he could survive the kind of double duty unheard of in Hollywood. Fox’s days were already dedicated to rehearsing and taping the hit sitcom Family Ties, but then the chance of a lifetime came his way. Soon, he committed his nights to a new time-travel adventure film being directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by Steven Spielberg―Back to the Future. Sitcom during the day, movie at night―day after day, for months.
Fox’s nightly commute from a soundstage at Paramount to the back lot at Universal Studios, from one dream job to another, would become his own space-time continuum. It was in this time portal that Alex P. Keaton handed the baton to Marty McFly while Michael J. Fox tried to catch a few minutes of sleep. Alex’s bravado, Marty’s flair, and Fox’s comedic virtuosity all swirled together to create something truly special.
In Future Boy, Fox tells the remarkable story of playing two landmark roles at the same time―a slice of entertainment history that’s never been told. Using new interviews with the cast and crew of both projects, the result is a vividly drawn and eye-opening story of creative achievement by a beloved icon.
Back to the Future is one of my all-time favorite films. Not all time travel films can strike a chord like Back to the Future. There is something unique and special about it that makes each and every viewing as entertaining as the last. It’s more than just a story of time travel–it’s about family, friendship, and meaningful bonds. Not to mention the film is also perfectly cast with talented actors like Michael J. Fox, who happens to be the author of this book. Interestingly, he was both the filmmakers’ first and third choice for the role, and ultimately proved to be the perfect Marty McFly.
Future Boy isn’t the traditional memoir people might be expecting, a book about Michael J. Fox’s entire life, family, or health struggles. Instead, the book focuses on a specific time in Fox’s life when filming the first Back to the Future film, while also juggling working on the set of the popular television series Family Ties. The book explores the challenges working nearly around the clock to stay on schedule with both projects, all while Fox pushed himself to be the best version of his characters as possible.
This book isn’t just for those fans of Michael J. Fox–it’s a book for those who fell in love with Back to the Future. Whether your love stems from seeing the movie in theaters in 1985–40 years ago–or were introduced to the film later on. Future Boy offers more for those fans of his acting during this time and less about whatever else he was dealing with. Fox reflects on this time in his life, which might be considered the most exciting, sharing behind the curtains stories from the point-of-view of the lead actor.
As a fan of Michael J. Fox and the Back to the Future franchise, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Future Boy. I was engrossed in Fox’s journey to becoming the iconic Marty McFly–the near-missed opportunity, and how he ultimately proved to the filmmakers he was the right choice all along. Future Boy is a must-read for anyone who loves Back to the Future.
Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum is available at bookstores everywhere on October 14, 2025 from Flatiron Books. The audiobook, narrated by Michael J. Fox himself, is available via Libro.fm!
