Key Highlights
- Michael J. Fox starred in ‘Teen Wolf’ during a hiatus of his popular TV series, ‘Family Ties.’
- The film’s critical reception was lukewarm, but Fox’s charisma made it memorable.
- Fox believes he followed Michael Landon’s example from the 1950s werewolf film.
- ‘Teen Wolf’ had a modest box office success despite its subpar reviews.
Michael J. Fox’s Role in ‘Teen Wolf’
In 1985, Michael J. Fox was at the peak of his career, starring in the hit sitcom ‘Family Ties’ and breaking box office records with films like ‘Back to the Future.’ However, he also had a stint as the lead actor in ‘Teen Wolf,’ which garnered some attention but faced criticism from critics and audiences alike.
Contextualizing ‘Teen Wolf’
The 1985 film ‘Teen Wolf’ tells the story of Scott Howard (played by Fox), an ordinary high school student who discovers he is a werewolf. The movie, despite its modest budget of $4 million, managed to gross around $80 million at the box office. However, it received mixed reviews, holding a 46% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and being described as “bland and unoriginal” by critics.
Why Fox Chose ‘Teen Wolf’
Fox’s participation in ‘Teen Wolf’ came during a hiatus of ‘Family Ties,’ due to Meredith Baxter’s pregnancy. His agent seized the opportunity to offer him the role, which fit seamlessly into his production schedule. “The wolf thing had worked for Michael Landon in I Was a Teenage Werewolf,” Fox noted in his memoir ‘Future Boy.’ This comment suggests that he was inspired by an earlier role model, Michael Landon.
Michael Landon’s Impact
In 1957, young actor Michael Landon starred in the horror film ‘I Was a Teenage Werewolf,’ which became a surprise hit and is considered one of the most successful teen horror films of its time. The movie’s success demonstrated that a werewolf-themed teenage role could be both commercially viable and entertaining.
Reflections on ‘Teen Wolf’
Despite the film’s financial success, Fox himself admitted that it was not his “magnum opus.” In an interview, he stated, “It was already obvious to me that Teen Wolf, filmed a few months prior, was not my magnum opus.” However, his involvement in the project remains significant due to the positive reception of his performance.
Fox’s Charisma on Screen
Fox’s role as Scott Howard brought him back into the spotlight after ‘Family Ties’ took a hiatus. His charismatic presence and ability to blend comedy with drama made “Teen Wolf” more than just another werewolf movie. Fox’s experience in this role contributed to his growing status as an A-list actor.
Conclusion
While ‘Teen Wolf’ may not be remembered as one of the best films of its era, Michael J. Fox’s involvement added a layer of depth and memorability to the project. His reflection on the film’s place in his career highlights how even challenging roles can offer valuable learning experiences for actors.