Book Review: Future Boy

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.

Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum by Michael J. Fox (with assist by Nelle Fortenberry) was published October 14, 2025, by Flatiron Books.

Summer of 1985 was the bridge between my sophomore and junior years of college. I already knew Fox from his sitcom (which I watched faithfully every week). I was away from home, working a co-op job in New Jersey for six months. I hit the movies every weekend, and I instantly fell in love with Back to the Future. it is one of my all-time favorite franchises. So, this book was a must-read for me.

I always enjoy Fox's writing style in his books. They are casual, comfortable- like hanging out with a friend. So, this is very much him just telling the tales of one of the wildest times in his working career. As someone who loves backstage stories, this was a pure delight to consume.

Not being as up on the lore and history surrounding the making of the film (I knew Fox had replaced Eric Stoltz but not the extent of how much had to be reshot or that he was the first choice for the lead), a lot of this was new info for me. I liked hearing from folks who worked on both the film and the sitcom regarding this time period as well.

This quick read was very enjoyable.