Princess Diana Turned ‘Back to the Future’ Premiere Into ‘Nightmare’ for Michael J. Fox

In 1985, actor Michael J. Fox heavily promoted his new film, Back to the Future . The film was new to audiences and told the story of Marty McFly, who time-traveled and altered his future with the help of his friend Doc Emmett Brown. Therefore, when Fox traveled to London to share it, little did he know that Princess Diana would be the one person who caused his “nightmare” experience.

Watching ‘Back to the Future’ with Princess Diana wasn’t the experience Fox hoped for

In 2020, Michael J. Fox appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to reflect on the massive success of Back to the Future and promote his book No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality . He shared a story about one particular screening, during which he sat next to Princess Diana.

The film’s world premiere was held at the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square, London. Fox was seated next to the senior royal, a position he didn’t take lightly.

Fox told Fallon , “She was sitting next to me. The lights go down, and the movie starts. And I realize I am one fake yawn and an arm stretch away from being on a date with her, which is hilarious. (via X )”

However, Fox admitted he had more on his mind than the move that evening. “The movie started, and I had to go pee. So for the rest of the movie, I’m sitting there, like, dying.”

“I can’t say anything to her, and I can’t walk away from her because I can’t turn my back on her. So it was just agony. It could have been the greatest night of my life, but it was just a nightmare. A pee-holding nightmare,” the actor concluded.

Did Princess Diana enjoy ‘Back to the Future’?

Michael J. Fox said that although his experience watching Back to the Future with Princess Diana was physically uncomfortable, their interaction had some positive aspects. He shared further details of the evening with Jimmy Fallon.

“She seemed to laugh a couple of times — she wasn’t booing it,” Fox said of the Princess of Wales’ reaction to the film. He added, “She was great, very sweet.”

Diana subsequently attended the UK premiere of Back To The Future Part III in 1990. Fox did not provide details of any interaction with the Princess of Wales during that screening.

Diana’s outfit for the ‘Back to the Future’ screening caused quite the commotion

Princess Diana ‘Surrendered’ to Prince Charles on Buckingham Palace Balcony: Body Language Expert

Princess Diana wore a Catherine Walker burgundy crushed velvet evening gown for the film premiere of Back to the Future . The fashion choice was stunning in its simplicity, but it was Diana’s accessories which genuinely made a statement.

Diana accentuated the low-cut back of the gown with a knotted pearl necklace. This bold style choice became an instant smash in the fashion world. Although her outfit looked conservative from the front, the gown had an open back that the princess accentuated with a long pearl necklace worn backward.

Michael J. Fox was recently given a standing ovation at the 2024 BAFTAs, where Princess Diana’s oldest son, Prince William, joined audience members in honoring the actor for his film work.