Michael J. Fox made a rare appearance at the 40th anniversary screening of Back to the Future, joining fans for an IMAX showing that included a DeLorean on site for photos and a post-film conversation. Fox also teased a new project tied to his time-traveling memories, confirming a book this year titled Future Boy.
In a pre-screening remark, Fox reflected on his adventures as a younger man and described the book as a time machine of sorts, inviting readers to ride along for the journey. He even riffed on a famous line about time, saying, “The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once. I didn’t say that, Einstein did.” He added that, for him, time has felt busy in the months around 1985.
The Back to the Future film itself remains a touchstone of pop culture. The story of a teen who travels back in time helped elevate the franchise to legendary status, turning the 1985 release into a massive worldwide success with hundreds of millions in box office—fueling a lasting legacy that Fox has continued to carry in his career and public presence.
Fox hasn’t stepped in front of cameras as regularly in recent years, largely due to his battle with Parkinson’s disease. Yet he is set to return to screens as a guest star on Shrinking, where Harrison Ford has spoken warmly about Fox’s courage and grace. Ford praised Fox as a brave, generous, and inspiring figure, noting how his perseverance serves as a leadership example for others facing illness or adversity.
The actor has been candid about the impact Parkinson’s has had on his work. He noted that he kept acting for nearly three decades after his diagnosis, but when his voice and daily abilities began to falter, he stepped back from full-time acting. He’s since rejoined the industry in a limited capacity, and Shrinking’s production team welcomed him back, with his Season 3 appearance anticipated for early next year.
The piece also touches on the broader context of Parkinson’s disease, a condition described by the National Institute on Aging as a neurodegenerative disorder that produces involuntary movements, stiffness, and balance challenges. Fox’s ongoing public conversations about his condition have helped raise awareness and encouraged others facing similar battles.
Fox’s return to the screen alongside Shrinking, along with a forthcoming memoir, signals a continued commitment to storytelling and to confronting life’s hardest challenges with honesty and humor. The Back to the Future anniversary events underscore not only a beloved film’s lasting influence but Fox’s enduring influence as a public figure who remains engaged with fans and audiences around the world.
Summary: Michael J. Fox celebrated Back to the Future’s 40th anniversary with an IMAX screening and a DeLorean photo moment, announced a new book called Future Boy, and reaffirmed his plan to return to acting in Shrinking. The event highlighted Fox’s resilience as he continues to share his story and inspire fans despite his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Positive takeaway: Fox’s continued creativity and openness about his health offer hope and encouragement to fans facing their own challenges, while his return to Shrinking promises more compelling performances in the months ahead.