Back to the Future franchise, featuring actors Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, is undoubtedly one of the most famous franchises of all time as its influence can still be felt today, even after roughly four decades. The three films in the franchise, Back to the Future (1985), Back to the Future Part II (1989), and Back to the Future Part III (1990), simply narrate the story of a high school student, Marty McFly, and a scientist, Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown, as they use a DeLorean time machine to time travel to different periods in the history/future.
Apart from leaving a lasting impact on the genre, the films also launched the career of its main star,
Michael J. Fox. The actor once explained that even after 35 years, people associate him with the role wherever he goes.
Michael J. Fox once revealed that people recognize him everywhere, even in a remote jungle
In 2010, actor Michael J. Fox revealed (as per IMDb) that most of his fans always address him as “McFly.” He further explained that when he went to a remote jungle in the South Asian country Bhutan, a Buddhist monk recognized him and said, “Marty McFly!” This incident alone explains how big the franchise was.
The actor was in Bhutan to film 2009’s TV Movie Michael J. Fox: Adventures of an Incurable Optimist. Bhutan is located between China and India in the eastern Himalayas. For the first Back to the Future movie, Fox was paid $250,000, however, his salary was increased by $5 million for the sequels.
Back to the Future franchise made Michael J. Fox a household name
By 1989, everyone was familiar with Michael J. Fox, because of his work as Marty McFly in the first movie. The sequels weren’t as successful as the first film but it still created big opportunities for Fox. The first Back to the Future film was the highest-grossing film of 1985, bringing in roughly $388 million on a budget of $19 million. The film earned numerous nominations and won several prestigious awards, including an Academy Award.
Fox went on to prove his versatility in various blockbuster hits, but people associate him with the character even today. The franchise blended humor, action, and heartwarming moments while exploring the concept of time travel. With its memorable characters, catchphrases, and innovative storytelling, the franchise has become a timeless classic that continues to captivate and inspire future generations.
Source: IMDb
