<P> Originally cast as Marty McFly for Back to the Future in late 1984 , he was replaced after about a month of filming when Michael J. Fox ( the director 's first choice for the role ) agreed to divide time between the movie and his television sitcom Family Ties . The director , Robert Zemeckis , said that while Stoltz provided an admirable performance , it lacked the precise comedic sense that Zemeckis was seeking . Some of the original footage , where Stoltz does not appear but was on set , was used in the film . Stoltz playing the character was referenced in the 2010 episode of Fringe titled `` Peter '' when , in a parallel universe , a theater marquee reads `` Back to the Future starring Eric Stoltz '' . </P>
<P> Originally cast as Marty McFly for Back to the Future in late 1984 , he was replaced after about a month of filming when Michael J. Fox ( the director 's first choice for the role ) agreed to divide time between the movie and his television sitcom Family Ties . The director , Robert Zemeckis , said that while Stoltz provided an admirable performance , it lacked the precise comedic sense that Zemeckis was seeking . Some of the original footage , where Stoltz does not appear but was on set , was used in the film . Stoltz playing the character was referenced in the 2010 episode of Fringe titled `` Peter '' when , in a parallel universe , a theater marquee reads `` Back to the Future starring Eric Stoltz '' . </P>
who was supposed to play in back to the future
who was supposed to play in back to the future
Stoltz
Stoltz