Eccentric Actor Crispin Glover’s Feud with Back to the Future Director Revealed: Lawsuit Over Unauthorized Use of Likeness
Crispin Glover, the famously eccentric Hollywood actor known for his roles in iconic movies like Robert Zemeckis’ Back to the Future and TV shows like American Gods, has been involved in a long-standing feud with the director over the unauthorized use of his likeness. Glover has always had a unique creative vision, which he has carried throughout his career.
While he has made several celebrated appearances in Hollywood and independent cinema, nothing has had a bigger impact on his career than his role in Back to the Future. The film, released in the mid-1980s, tells the story of Marty, a high-school student who travels back in time with his partner, Doc Brown.
In the movie, Glover plays the younger version of Marty’s father, George McFly, portraying a fragile and unconfident character. However, behind the scenes, Glover clashed with Zemeckis over a particular scene in which he wanted to use a broomstick. This led to a heated argument between the actor and the filmmaker.
Michael J. Fox, who played Marty in the film, recalled the incident in a 2020 interview with The Guardian. He mentioned that although he hasn’t spoken to Glover since the movie, he always liked him. Fox remembered the intense disagreement between Glover and Zemeckis, stating, Crispin wanted to do it with a broom, and Bob didn’t, and oh my God! The indignation.
Despite their clash, Fox and Christopher Lloyd, who played Doc Brown, were relieved that the argument had nothing to do with them. They watched from their dressing room as Glover and Zemeckis argued, only poking their heads out once the situation had calmed down.
Glover’s absence from the cast of 1989’s Back to the Future Part II surprised fans who expected to see him in the sequel. Instead, the production used a mold of Glover’s face on another actor, Jeffrey Weissman. This decision infuriated Glover, leading him to file a lawsuit against the production.
In a later interview, Glover expressed his disappointment with the unauthorized use of his likeness. He clarified that he would have been fine if they had hired another actor to play the role, but using his likeness without consent was unacceptable. Eventually, Glover reached a settlement in the case.
This incident highlights current concerns surrounding AI and the issue of consent when it comes to using someone’s likeness. The debate over the consent of likeness became a major point of contention during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.
In conclusion, Crispin Glover’s feud with the director of Back to the Future sheds light on the complexities of the entertainment industry and the importance of obtaining consent for the use of an actor’s likeness. Glover’s creative vision and his desire to protect his rights have been at the center of this ongoing dispute, reminding us of the challenges faced by actors in Hollywood.
