10 Surprising BTS Stories About the Making of Back to the Future

The Iconic Title That Almost Wasn't

The universally beloved title 'Back to the Future' almost didn't make the cut. Universal executive Sid Sheinberg proposed the alternate title 'Space Man from Pluto,' but thanks to the intervention of Steven Spielberg, the iconic title prevailed. The somewhat roundabout phrase perfectly captures the movie and results in a dramatically amazing title drop. Even if the movie had been successful, people would probably still have been making fun of the 'Space Man from Pluto' title today.

Marty McFly (Michael J Fox) Looking Serious in Back To The Future

Image description: Marty McFly (Michael J Fox) Looking Serious in Back To The Future

The Time Machine's Original Form

Before the DeLorean, the iconic time machine in 'Back to the Future' was almost a refrigerator! Yes, you read that right. The writers considered making the time machine a refrigerator, but this idea was scrapped due to concerns about children trying to imitate it at home. The time machine eventually became the iconic DeLorean, which is campy but still convenient for the main characters. The change from a refrigerator to a car marked a pivotal moment in the film's production, leading to a classic cinematic icon. This decision also caused an increase in DeLorean sales, as fans wanted to experience a piece of the movie in real life.

Doc Brown and Marty McFly in Back to the Future

Image description: Doc Brown and Marty McFly in Back to the Future

The Different Marty McFly

Believe it or not, Michael J. Fox was not the only actor considered for the role of Marty McFly. The first choice to play Marty McFly was Eric Stoltz, who was originally cast for the role. However, it became apparent that he was not right for the character, leading the producers to circle back to Michael J. Fox. Fox's charming performance as Marty McFly has now become inseparable from the movie, making it almost impossible to imagine anyone else in the role. The casting change turned out to be a vital component in making the movie a success.

Mr Strickland pointing at Marty McFly in Back to the Future

Image description: Mr Strickland pointing at Marty McFly in Back to the Future

The Unlikely Time Machine Fuel

In a discarded draft of the script, the DeLorean time machine was powered by Coca-Cola. Yes, you read that right – Coca-Cola! This amusing detail was eventually replaced with the iconic 'flux capacitor,' a decision that was closer to real science and added a touch of credibility to the movie's mechanics. The change in the time machine's fuel source was a crucial decision that contributed to the film's overall success and memorability.

Christopher Lloyd's Doc Brown points at the camera as Michael J Fox's Marty looks on in the background in Back to the Future

Image description: Christopher Lloyd's Doc Brown points at the camera as Michael J Fox's Marty looks on in the background in Back to the Future

The Pet Companion Swap

Did you know that Doc originally had a pet chimp named Shemp instead of a dog called Einstein? However, an executive stepped in, claiming that movies with chimps in them are never good. The inclusion of the dog instead of the chimp was a significant change that improved the overall plot and dynamics of the characters. Doc having a dog who is the movie's first-time traveler is a more tasteful and memorable choice, adding to the emotional depth of the storyline.

Einstein the dog in Back to the Future

Image description: Einstein the dog in Back to the Future

The Alternate Ending

The original ending of 'Back to the Future' was intended to be an open-ended promise of more adventures in the characters' future – plus a reprise of the title drop. However, the decision to alter this ending and set the stage for a sequel transformed the fate of the franchise. The change in the ending led to the creation of an entire trilogy and solidified 'Back to the Future' as a timeless classic.

Doc, Marty, and Jennifer at the end of Back to the Future

Image description: Doc, Marty, and Jennifer at the end of Back to the Future

The Almost Different Cast

Michael J. Fox wasn't the only actor almost missing from the cast. Johnny Depp and John Cusack also auditioned for the role of Marty McFly, adding an interesting twist to the possibilities of casting for the iconic character. While Fox ultimately secured the role and made it his own, the thought of Depp or Cusack playing Marty adds an intriguing 'what if' to the movie's history.

Michael J Fox as Marty McFly Jr. looking at Griff (Tom Wilson, back to camera) in Back to the Future Part II

Image description: Michael J Fox as Marty McFly Jr. looking at Griff (Tom Wilson, back to camera) in Back to the Future Part II

The Iconic Score's Uncertain Fate

Believe it or not, the iconic score of 'Back to the Future' was almost in jeopardy. Spielberg initially had doubts about composer Alan Silvestri's ability to write the score the movie needed. However, a musical sample changed Spielberg's mind, leading to the creation of the memorable score that has become synonymous with the movie. The decision to stick with Silvestri's composition was a pivotal moment in the film's production, shaping the overall tone and impact of the movie.

Flaming trails follow the DeLorean time machine in a poster for Back to the Future

Image description: Flaming trails follow the DeLorean time machine in a poster for Back to the Future

The Abandoned Plot Twists

Several storylines that would have changed the tone of 'Back to the Future' were abandoned, including finer details about how the time machine works and Marty's unintended erasure of rock and roll from history. These abandoned plot elements, while intriguing, were ultimately replaced with more fitting and impactful storylines, contributing to the movie's success and lasting legacy.

Marty McFLy with a newspaper in Back to the Future

Image description: Marty McFLy with a newspaper in Back to the Future

The Almost Unaccepted Doc Brown

Believe it or not, Christopher Lloyd initially turned down the role of Doc! John Lithgow and Mark Mothersbaugh were both considered for the role, but both turned it down for various reasons. However, Zemeckis's persuasion and Lloyd's eventual acceptance of the role led to the creation of a frenzied and brilliant Dr. Emmett Brown that became exactly what the franchise needed. Lloyd's iconic performance as Doc solidified his place in the movie's history and established the character as an integral part of the story.

Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Doc Brown in Back to the Future

Image description: Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Doc Brown in Back to the Future

The Nuclear Test Site Plot Element

Marty's return to the present was originally going to be powered by a nuclear bomb. The idea of Marty driving through a nuclear test site as a means to power the DeLorean was an intriguing plot element that was ultimately deemed too expensive and dark. The decision to replace this plot element with the iconic clock tower was a pivotal moment in the film's production, leading to a more impactful and memorable storyline that contributed to the movie's enduring success.

The DeLorean frozen and smoking in Back To The Future Part I

Image description: The DeLorean frozen and smoking in Back To The Future Part I