Summary

• Introducing a fresh face as Marty in a new Back to the Future would revive the character for a new generation while staying true to the essence.
• From Caleb McLaughlin to Xolo Maridueña, there are many talented young actors who could bring a unique take on Marty while honoring the original.
• Casting choices like Kit Connor demonstrate the potential for actors to transition into more complex and impactful roles in a Back to the Future remake.

The Back to the Future movies premiered in 1985, and in the nearly forty years since it's remained a cultural touchstone that people want to see remade with a fresh new actor playing Marty McFly. Many fan casts of the remake include Tom Holland, best known for his role as Peter Parker in Marvel's Spider-Man movies. However, Holland has his own prominent franchise, so spreading him across both Marvel and a new Back to the Future would be a disservice to both movies. Instead, a young up-and-coming performer should get the chance to make their name as Marty.

This means that whoever is the new Marty would have to be true to the character while developing an original persona that helps them stand out.

Anyone who steps into the role would have big shoes to fill as Michael J. Fox is an iconic casting choice for Marty. Back to the Future is one of the best time travel movies, and is familiar to audiences of all generations. This means that whoever is the new Marty would have to be true to the character while developing an original persona that helps them stand out. A new Back to the Future would have the opportunity to update some of the dated aspects of the film and allow a nostalgic revisiting of the 1990s through the story.

10 Caleb McLaughlin

Best known for Stranger Things (2016–Present); Shooting Stars (2023)

Audiences have had the opportunity to see Caleb McLaughlin and the cast of Stranger Things blossom from child actors into young adults entering the world of filmmaking. Though Stranger Things is a prominent franchise to be attached to, it's within the realm of television, which primes McLaughlin to break out into further roles in features as his career progresses. Most recently, he's branched out with Shooting Stars and Concrete Cowboy. In both films, McLaughlin stepped into roles dissimilar from his character in Stranger Things and made them his own.

Playing Marty, McLaughlin would shine as he's capable of both the charisma and the endearing awkwardness that Marty is characterized by. Since Stranger Things is a period piece set in the 1980s, McLaughlin is already familiar with costuming and dialogue from different parts of history, and he could play off this knowledge in the moments when Marty travels back to the past. Additionally, he has strong chemistry with older actors, as seen in Concrete Cowboy when he co-starred with Idris Elba. This is important for Back to the Future, as Marty and Doc's relationship is central to the story.

9 Jack Dylan Grazer

Best known for Shazam! (2019); We Are Who We Are (2020)

Branching out from DC and films that skew toward younger audiences will let filmmakers see Grazer as an adult in the field.

Though Jack Dylan Grazer plays the protagonist's best friend, Freddy, in Shazam!, he has all the makings of a leading man and could prove that as Marty in Back to the Future. Though his biggest role in We Are Who We Are lasted only one season, the HBO drama from Luca Guadagnino allowed Grazer to explore darker and deeper subjects than in the Shazam! movies. Despite this, both roles have had a significant impact on his career, as well as the voice acting he's done in Luca and Ron's Gone Wrong.

Having a distinct and well-trained voice is key for any actor, and would be pivotal for a new face playing Marty as Fox's speaking voice is as synonymous with the character. After the critical and box office disappointment of Shazam! Fury of the Gods, audiences will likely be waiting a long time for updates on Shazam 3, but, if anything, this is good for Grazer's career as it will allow him to explore other options. Branching out from DC and films that skew toward younger audiences will let filmmakers see Grazer as an adult in the field.

8 Noah Jupe

Best known for Honey Boy (2019); Franklin (2024)