Reunited ‘Back to the Future’ Cast Talk Making the Film

1. Thousands of fans went “back in time” this past weekend at the star-studded Rhode Island Comic Con,where they got up close and personal with their favorite TV and movie stars — including a rare appearance from the core cast of Back to the Future.

While any opportunity to see and hear from Michael J. Fox (Marty McFly), Christopher Lloyd (Doc Brown), Lea Thompson (Lorraine McFly), or Tom Wilson (Biff Tanner) individually is special enough, a chance to see them join forces for photo opportunities, meet & greets and a very special panel discussing the nearly-40 year old big screen classic was absolutely priceless.

Universal/courtesy Everett Collection

“We filmed that scene in my bedroom where Marty woke up in his Calvin Klein underwear weeks before [Michael J. Fox] joined the production,” Leah Thompson recalled, remembering the original scene with Eric Stoltz, the first actor cast as Marty McFly. “With [Fox]it became so funny. It just sang.”

Tom Wilson remembered thinking the movie was not a big deal at the time, especially compared to the one filming next door. “We were a weird little movie about time travel shooting on the lot next door to The Goonieswhich felt like a bigger deal,” he chuckled. “After they wrapped, that crew got really nice leather jackets. We got cheapo windbreakers.  We were the little engine that could.”

While Fox, Thompson and Wilson all thought that the movie’s excellent script might make it a hit, veteran actor Christopher Lloyd had far more modest expectations. “I was just hoping for a good opening night”, he quipped, one of many moments that drew big laughs from the audience (he also summed up his approach to establishing the character of Doc Brown in two words: “constant crisis”.)

A relative newcomer to acting with an extensive dance background, Lea Thompson recalled her own unique tactic to channeling teenage Lorraine’s vibe. “I approached the character by listening to ‘Mr. Sandman,’” she recalled gleefully. “I even read magazines from the ’50s. I’m grateful that I’m still known for a great part in a great movie.”

Tom Wilson’s turn as Biff certainly felt like a perfect fit, but the actor behind the noogies had a far more complicated relationship with the role. “I was a sick kid with asthma, and I was getting pushed around by bullies all the time,” the actor recalled during the panel. “I didn’t see humor in what they did, but when the time came, I had to find a way to make it funny. Then, in that final scene in the car [when Biff forces himself on Lorraine]I had to get serious so George McFly could say ‘No Biff, leave her alone’. It was a great challenge”

Bobby Bank/Getty Images; Universal/courtesy Everett Collection

Wilson spoke further about his everlasting role as one of pop culture’s great villains. “Bad guys have to mess up the story, but we immodestly also think that we make the story interesting,” he explained. ” You have to pay attention when we show up because something important is going to happen.”

A question about whether starring in the film  caused them to reflect on how even small moments can affect their entire lives made Thompson wax philosophical.”I think it’s an important lesson for those moments where you think ‘Did I do the right thing?’” she said.

Fox took a different lesson from his role as Marty McFly. “There are lots of people who think to themselves ‘I’m waiting for something to happen,’” he said. “Well, make something happen!”

After all of the anecdotes, trivia tidbits and inside jokes shared throughout the panel, Fox summed up his feelings about Back to the Future with beautiful simplicity. “I think it’s one of the few perfect movies,” he said, plainly and honestly.

Based on the audience’s outpouring of support for this event, it’s safe to say that on this day,  this opinion was unanimous.