Please, Stop Casting Tom Holland In A Back To The Future Reboot

Tom Holland may be the most popular choice for Marty McFly’s recast in a Back to the Future reboot, but there are several reasons why he would not be the right fit. It has been nearly four decades since the first Back to the Future movie hit the big screens. However, the sci-fi comedy still stands the test of time because of its ability to instill nostalgia and explore complex ideas surrounding time travel in a comprehensible and whimsical way.

Owing to Back to the Future‘s timelessness, one might argue that it does not need a reboot at all. However, as valid as this argument may seem, the idea of a Back to the Future remake sounds exciting because it presents the opportunity to merge the beloved franchise with new themes and more contemporary technology. It also raises the possibility of seeing new faces, like Tom Holland, play familiar characters from the original films. Unfortunately, these story and casting ideas only sound good on paper.

Tom Holland Has Been A Popular Marty McFly Recast In Recent Years

Many Have Reimagined Tom Holland As Marty McFly

A Back To The Future reboot may be far from happening. However, over the years, many followers of the sci-fi franchise have taken it upon themselves to fan-cast a potential reboot. While many actors have been reimagined as Marty McFly, there is one name that keeps emerging time and again: Tom Holland. From fan-made videos to fanart, Tom Holland has consistently been portrayed as the new Marty McFly for several reasons. One big reason is that he, in some ways, resembles young Michael J. Fox, making it hard not to imagine him in Marty McFly’s shoes.

While some even joke about Tom Holland taking on the iconic role, the actor himself seems to draw inspiration from the Back to the Future character. In an interview (via The Hot Ones), Holland revealed that his biggest inspiration for his role as Peter Parker was that he “wanted to be this generation’s Marty McFly.” He even added that he could see how his relationship with Robert Downey Jr. in the MCU movies was similar to Marty’s with Dr. Emmett Brown. Tom Holland even acknowledged and felt honored by all the deep fakes that portray him as Marty McFly, making the fan recast idea even more popular.

If A Back To The Future Reboot Happens, It Shouldn’t Cast Tom Holland

Tom Holland’s Casting Would Be Too Predictable & Contrived

Tom Holland does an incredible job at portraying a Marty-esque Peter Parker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Even his character’s dynamic with Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark is arguably reminiscent of Marty’s relationship with Dr. Brown. With his compelling performance in The Crowded Room, Tom Holland has proven that he is capable of handling more diverse roles and would do justice to Marty McFly if given the opportunity to play him. However, even though he is a great actor, the reboot would likely be better off without Tom Holland for more reasons than one.

Time and again, failed reboots of classic films have proven that merely emulating the original is not enough. Similarly, successful ones have established that, apart from honoring their source material, reboots must also bring fresh perspectives and new character beats to leave their mark. Therefore, if a Back to the Future reboot sees the light of day, it cannot cast someone too similar to Michael J. Fox’s Marty McFly. Instead, it must do something different by perhaps casting a lesser-known actor for the role or changing the whole character altogether.

Why A Back To The Future Reboot Probably Won’t Happen (But Won’t Stop Being Talked About)

Back To The Future’s Writers Are Content With The Franchise’s Original Ending

As exciting as the prospect of a Back to the Future reboot may seem, it is not happening anytime soon. The reason being that the original film’s writers, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, do not wish to continue the franchise or sell its rights to someone else. Considering how the original Back to the Future movies captured lighting in a bottle with their captivating and time-bending storylines, it would be fair to believe that the franchise should be left alone. However, given the popularity and timelessness of the Back to the Future IP, its potential reboot will always be talked about.