As Back to the Future marks its 40th anniversary in 2025, Michael J. Fox has given fans a new reason to admire his resilience on set. The beloved actor, now 64, has released a heartfelt memoir titled Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum.
This new book provides an intimate look at his experiences while filming one of the most iconic movie trilogies ever created.
In his memoir, Fox doesn’t shy away from breaking the illusion that everything behind the camera was as magical as it looked on screen.
While audiences viewed the DeLorean as a futuristic marvel that carried Marty McFly and Doc Brown through time, Fox confesses that being inside the vehicle was, quite literally, painful. Far from a comfortable Hollywood prop, the DeLorean tested his patience, endurance, and even his skin.
The actor recalls that every time he slid into the driver’s seat, the car proved more punishing than thrilling. It might have symbolized adventure on film, but to Fox, it became something closer to a steel trap wrapped in cinematic charm.
The Reality Behind Marty McFly’s Time Machine
Fox’s relationship with the DeLorean began with genuine excitement. As a 23-year-old actor entering one of the most anticipated films of the 1980s, the prospect of operating a time-traveling sports car seemed unreal. But he admits those feelings quickly changed once real production began.
In Future Boy, Fox refers to the DeLorean as a “slow, clunky, uncomfortable car” that only appeared impressive because of the skill of the film crew. Originally, the DeLorean DMC-12 was already out of production when Back to the Future began filming.
The car’s gull-wing doors and stainless steel body made it look distinctive, but, mechanically, it was far from perfect. The team had to retrofit it with fake gizmos, wires, and glowing parts to create the illusion of time-travel technology transformations that made the interior cramped and hazardous.
Fox shares that the so-called “cool” film car was filled with rough-edged parts, metallic protrusions, and sharp corners that constantly scraped his hands and elbows. The additional movie props installed by the special effects team didn’t help, either.
Whenever he attempted to sprint into the car or quickly close the door for a take, he risked injury. The actor humorously describes how his knuckles, elbows, and even forearms became marked with scratches by the end of many production days.
He writes that by the time filming wrapped, his hands were “crisscrossed with lacerations.” Yet, despite the discomfort, he pressed on because he believed the story being told mattered more than the pain.
One of his most memorable quips from the book perfectly sums it up: “Pain is temporary; film is forever.” That philosophy reminds fans how much dedication and energy went into creating the movie magic we still celebrate four decades later.
The Magic and the Myth of the DeLorean
What makes this confession fascinating is how sharply it contrasts with the DeLorean’s legendary reputation in popular culture. For millions of fans, the DeLorean is not just a car; it’s a portal to imagination.
Back to the Future (Credit: Prime Video)
The production team behind Back to the Future worked tirelessly to make the DeLorean look futuristic. They added lighting circuits, glowing tubes, and time displays, each designed to signal advanced science beyond human comprehension.
While all those aesthetic touches succeeded on screen, Fox experienced their physical side effects every day. Each rigged wire and bolted panel represented more discomfort for the actor, who had to remain animated and energetic during takes to match his character’s urgency.
It’s easy for viewers to forget that the original car model was famous for its engineering failures, not its endurance. The DeLorean Motor Company closed just a few years after releasing the DMC-12, leaving only a handful of models still operational today.
Ironically, Back to the Future gave the car immortality even though its manufacturer did not survive. Without the movie’s creative team transforming it into a cinematic icon, the DeLorean might have been a forgotten footnote in automotive history.
Fox subtly highlights this irony, explaining that the DeLorean only achieved its “favorable legacy” because of its role in cinema, not because of any superior performance as a car.
For a vehicle once mocked for being underpowered and unreliable, becoming a symbol of time travel was an unexpected twist worthy of the movie itself.
A Legacy That Endures Through Time
The timing of this revelation feels poetic. Forty years after Back to the Future first premiered in 1985, the film continues to influence popular culture, from fashion to themed conventions and fan art.
The DeLorean remains instantly recognizable, but now fans also understand the literal pain behind its creation. Fox’s honesty gives the car and the film a new dimension of authenticity.
Beyond the humorous details of bruises and cuts, Future Boy also reaffirms why Fox remains one of Hollywood’s most admired figures. His blend of humility and humor keeps his storytelling relatable even after decades of stardom.
Throughout his career, from Family Ties to Spin City, Fox has been praised for bringing humanity to every role he plays, and this memoir continues that tradition.
He mentions that he never stopped appreciating what the role of Marty McFly brought to his life; it changed his career, defined a generation, and still connects him to millions of fans worldwide.
Yet he also doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the exhaustion, injuries, and chaos that came with the glamour. This sincerity makes him more than a nostalgic face from the past; it highlights his resilience and his sincere relationship with the truth behind iconic art.
As he writes about the time machine that bruised his elbows and cut his knuckles, readers sense a deeper metaphor. The DeLorean can symbolize the hard, unglamorous path behind every classic spotlight moment. Movie magic may shimmer on the surface, but it takes human effort and sometimes pain to make it timeless.
The 40-Year Mark and What’s Next
With Back to the Future turning 40, celebrations are expected across the film industry and fan communities.
Fans are already speculating about anniversary screenings, themed merchandise, and retrospectives honoring both Fox and Christopher Lloyd’s unforgettable partnership. Fox’s timing for releasing Future Boy could not be more perfect.
His memoir isn’t just another behind-the-scenes account; it’s a storytelling gift packed with personal reflections on aging, fame, creativity, and endurance. The DeLorean anecdotes add humor, but they also remind readers that even pop culture’s most magical moments often carry a hidden toll.
As fans revisit Marty McFly’s adventures in 2025, they’ll likely watch every DeLorean scene with fresh appreciation. The car gleaming under studio lights, the tire tracks blazing across cinematic time, all now carry the knowledge that behind the camera stood a young actor giving his all both emotionally and physically.
Michael J. Fox may have hated driving the DeLorean, but thanks to his honesty, it now feels even more legendary.
The car that defined cinematic time travel wasn’t just a machine; it was a vessel for one actor’s endurance, humor, and unshakable dedication to storytelling. Forty years later, that story still defines movie history.
BTS member SUGA (Min Yoongi) has once again proven that his influence goes far beyond music. The global superstar recently made headlines for donating an additional ₹60 lakh (1 billion KRW) to Severance Children’s Hospital in South Korea, continuing his long-standing support for children with autism.
This latest act of kindness cements SUGA’s reputation as not just a talented artist but also a humanitarian who leads by example.
Known for his thoughtful nature and quiet philanthropy, SUGA has been making charitable donations since his early days with BTS.
His latest contribution follows several past donations to medical, educational, and disaster relief causes across Korea and beyond.
A Deep Connection with Severance Children’s Hospital
SUGA’s donation to Severance Children’s Hospital is not a one-time gesture. The rapper and producer has maintained a consistent relationship with the institution, particularly focusing on autism awareness and treatment programs for children.
BTS’s SUGA (Credit: YouTube)
According to reports, his name has now been officially featured on the hospital’s gift board, recognizing his ongoing contributions and impact.
What sets SUGA apart is that his compassion extends beyond financial support. He has also volunteered at the hospital, spending months interacting with autistic children and helping them express themselves through music therapy.
During this period, SUGA reportedly dedicated time to reading extensively about autism, seeking to better understand how to communicate with and support the children emotionally.
The staff at Severance Hospital have praised SUGA’s humility and sincerity, noting that he approached every visit without fanfare or media attention. His goal, they said, was never publicity — only genuine connection and healing through music.
Fans Applaud His Heart of Gold
ARMYs (BTS fans) across the globe flooded social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Weverse with messages of love and pride.
Hashtags like #AngelYoongi, #SUGATheHumanitarian, and #ThankYouSUGA quickly began trending, as fans called him “a true definition of impact” and “an angel of hope.”
Many noted how SUGA has consistently demonstrated selflessness and social awareness, often using his birthday or other personal milestones to give back.
Fans recalled that in previous years, SUGA donated to causes supporting disaster victims, pediatric cancer patients, and underprivileged youth, proving that his commitment to kindness is long-term and genuine.
ARMYs also praised his humility, highlighting how he often donates quietly without announcing it publicly. His latest act, however, became known only after Severance Hospital released an official acknowledgment of his contribution.
Beyond Money: Music as a Tool for Healing
SUGA’s love for music has always gone hand in hand with his empathy for others. During his volunteer work, he reportedly encouraged children with autism to engage in simple rhythmic exercises, piano sessions, and sound-based games, helping them improve focus and communication skills.
These music sessions were designed not only to entertain but to enhance emotional regulation and confidence among children who often struggle with social interaction.
BTS’s SUGA (Credit: YouTube)
SUGA’s calm demeanor and genuine patience made a strong impression on both the children and the caregivers.
In interviews over the years, SUGA has spoken about how music helped him heal from his own struggles with anxiety and depression.
“Music saved me,” he once said, “and I want it to save others too.”
This philosophy clearly extends into his real-life actions, making his philanthropy deeply personal.
A Long Legacy of Giving Back
This latest donation adds to SUGA’s growing list of charitable works. Over the years, he has supported numerous organizations, including:
- Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association, for victims of natural disasters.
- Korean Pediatric Cancer Foundation, providing treatment for children with cancer.
- UNICEF’s LOVE MYSELF campaign, in partnership with BTS and HYBE, to end violence against children and teens.
- Educational institutions and music programs for underprivileged youth.
His consistent giving reflects his belief that success must be shared. Fans often note that even before achieving global fame, SUGA expressed a desire to “help others through music and kindness.”
SUGA’s True Impact: A Role Model Beyond the Stage
SUGA’s compassion has earned him admiration not just from fans but also from professionals in the medical and philanthropic fields.
Experts say that high-profile figures like him can play a crucial role in destigmatizing mental and developmental disorders, inspiring young fans to learn empathy and volunteerism.
By engaging directly with autistic children and contributing to specialized care facilities, SUGA is helping build a future where celebrity influence translates into meaningful social change.
His quiet demeanor and preference for substance over showmanship have made him a rare role model in today’s fame-driven entertainment industry.
SUGA’s additional donation of ₹60 lakh to Severance Children’s Hospital isn’t just another act of charity — it is a reflection of his values, compassion, and belief in the healing power of human connection.
His kindness resonates not only through his music but also through the lives he touches in silence and sincerity.
