Future Boy:
Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum
by Michael J. Fox and Nelle Fortenberry
DETAILS:
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 3 hrs., 30 min.
Read Date: TEXT
What’s the Publisher’s Description of Future Boy?
A poignant, heartfelt, and funny memoir about how, in 1985, Michael J. Fox brought to life two iconic roles simultaneously—Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties and Marty McFly in Back to the Future. Read by Michael J. Fox, this program features renowned clips and music from Back to the Future, plus interviews with the cast and crew of these legendary film and TV productions. Hear this amazing true story as only Michael J. Fox can tell it.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.In Future Boy, Fox tells the remarkable story of playing two landmark roles at the same time—a slice of entertainment history that’s never been told. Using new interviews with the cast and crew of both projects, the result is a vividly drawn and eye-opening story of creative achievement by a beloved icon.
The Extras
There were some brief audio excerpts from conversations with some of the people involved in the movie. I think the book faltered there—the excerpts needed to be longer and/or we needed more of them. It really seemed like little audio teases more than anything else.
That said, I enjoyed them—and it’s a great way to do that kind of thing. I just wanted more.
So, what did I think about Future Boy?
I was a huge Michael J. Fox fan at the time this book is set (okay, I’ve pretty much been a huge Michael J. Fox fan since then, too), I was definitely part of the target audience for this. Throw in Fox as narrator and you know I’m in (I really enjoyed his work on No Time Like the Future).
As far as the narration goes, age and disease have impacted his voice—but it’s still Fox, and he delivers it well.
This is a fun—and fast—look at a madcap time in Fox’s life with enough of the behind-the-scenes stuff. Fox’s trademark self-deprecation is on display as well.
The only problem with this book is its brevity. Beyond that, I have no complaints—fans of the actor or the film should enjoy this book. I sure did.
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