Archive · 29 Oct 2025
Michael J. Fox Reflects on 'Back to the Future' at 40th Anniversary
Imagine a super popular movie about a teenager who accidentally travels back in time in a special car.
That movie, 'Back to the Future', is now 40 years old!
The actor who played the teenager, Michael J. Fox, is talking about it.
He says even though it’s been a long time and he has a sickness called Parkinson's, the movie is still special.
It made him famous and people still recognize him as the character.
The movie is playing in theaters again, and there's even a new book he wrote about his time making it.
He thinks the movie is still fun because it's like a fairy tale, not just about old times.
Even though he's not acting much anymore because he's older and sometimes tired, he's happy people still love the movie.
He also works hard to help find a cure for Parkinson's disease.
The film 'Back to the Future' is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a theatrical re-release and a new 4K trilogy gift set.
Michael J. Fox, who starred as Marty McFly, has released a new book titled 'Future Boy: ‘Back to the Future’ and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum'.
Despite the passage of time and his ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease, Fox reflects positively on the film's impact on his career and life.
The film's director, Robert Zemeckis, is known for pushing film technology, though 'Back to the Future' also relied on character and minimalist effects.
Michael J. Fox is actively involved in funding Parkinson's research through The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
- Who
- Michael J. Fox, the cast and crew of 'Back to the Future', fans, and President Ronald Reagan and President Joe Biden.
- What
- Looking back on the 40th anniversary of the film 'Back to the Future', which includes a re-release in theaters, a new 4K trilogy gift set, and a new book by Michael J. Fox.
- When
- The film was released on July 3, 1985. The reflection is occurring around its 40th anniversary.
- Where
- In theaters for re-release, and Michael J. Fox's home in New York.
- Why
- To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic science fiction film 'Back to the Future'.
Original Release Perspective
Timeless Appeal Perspective
Context and Relevance
Original Release Perspective
The film's nostalgia is indelibly linked to its 1980s moment, with then-President Ronald Reagan being a notable fan.
Timeless Appeal Perspective
The film has become curiously timeless, with its fantasy elements making it accessible to audiences regardless of their time period.
Special Effects
Original Release Perspective
The film pushed film technology.
Timeless Appeal Perspective
Much of the magic is achieved with minimal effects, relying on elements like the DeLorean, costumes, and Christopher Lloyd's performance.
- Film Release Date
- July 3, 1985
- Michael J. Fox's Age
- 64
- Michael J. Fox's Son's Age
- 37
- Film's Initial Chart Performance
- No. 1 movie for 11 of its first 12 weeks
- Michael J. Fox's New Book
- Future Boy: ‘Back to the Future’ and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum
- Michael J. Fox Foundation
- Founded in 2000, world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research
- Michael J. Fox's Upcoming Appearance
- Guest appearance on the third season of Apple TV+ series 'Shrinking'