There have been rumors and theories for years that Eric Stoltz, who originally played Marty McFly in “Back to the Future” before he was replaced by Michael J. Fox, does appear in the final version of the film. Turns out, that could still be true, albeit for a split-second.
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The Hollywood Reporter has the scoop, as they recruited screenwriter Bob Gale to track down answers regarding Stoltz’ small part in the film. The whole thing began years ago when fans started posting videos on YouTube claiming that you can see Stoltz’ fist punching Tom Wilson‘s Biff Tannen in the cafe.
“Editor Harry Keramidas who cut the scene pulled his notes, which show that the punch was reshot, but the printed takes were labeled ‘OK’ as opposed to ‘Good,'” Gale said. “So that could still be Eric’s fist. I think the only way we would know for sure is to check the actual edge numbers on the negative, but no one will risk damaging the negative by doing that. The workprint edge numbers might reveal the truth, but no idea if that even exists.”
Not only that, but Keramidas reportedly discovered a second shot where Stoltz could still be, during the skateboard chase set off by the punch. As Gale put it, “After Marty jumps over the hedge, there’s a shot of him from behind approaching the pedestrians coming down the courthouse steps. It could be Eric, or it could be Per Welinder who did Fox’s skateboarding, or it could be Bob Schmelzer who was Eric’s skateboard double.”
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Is it really Stoltz? Does it matter? The change in actor at such a late moment of production is arguably the best-known piece of trivia regarding the modern classic “Back to the Future,” and isn’t it better to simply keep the speculation and fun going?