How Much Money Does MJF Earn from ‘Back to the Future’?

Mike Universality (MJF) is one of the most prominent figures in the wrestling industry, often making appearances in various media. However, when it comes to the lucrative 'Back to the Future' film series, MJF's earnings from it might be rather modest. In this article, we will explore the earning structures for actors in movie and television, especially for famous characters like Marty McFly (played by Michael J. Fox).

Movie Acting Contracts and Residuals

Movie contracts typically include payments for on-screen performances only, with limited monetization through residuals. This means that actors are often compensated primarily for their initial on-screen performance, and not for subsequent releases or re-releases of the film.

In the case of the 'Back to the Future' film series, the original theatrical releases were the primary focus, with actors like Michael J. Fox receiving payments for their performances. Upon the release of a DVD or Blu-ray, some residuals might be paid out based on the distribution of the film. However, for further releases, such as the box set of the three main films, additional residuals might not apply.

Residuals for Television

Television is a much more complex field when it comes to residuals. There are residuals for reruns, DVD, and Blu-ray releases. However, in recent years, reruns of older television shows have been limited to a small number of cable channels, such as 'Family Ties.'

It's widely known in the industry that there is a magic number of 13 reruns. Once a show reaches its 13th rerun, the amount paid in residuals drops significantly. While actors may still receive some payment for these reruns, it often becomes a pittance rather than a substantial income.

MJF's Current Situation

For Michael J. Fox (MJF), the situation is similar to that of other principal actors in 'Back to the Future.' He has enough body of work that his earnings are primarily from his acting in the film, and not significantly from further releases.

Given the current availability of the movies as separate Blu-rays and a box set containing the three films, actors like Michael J. Fox likely do not receive residuals for the box set release. The primary release and subsequent individual Blu-ray sales are the main sources of potential income for the actors.

Conclusion

In summary, while MJF's role in the 'Back to the Future' film series was significant, his earnings from it are unlikely to be substantial beyond the initial payment for his performance. The complexity of residuals in both movie and television markets shows that actors need to be aware of the various streams of income and the limitations on residual payments for future releases.

For fans of the 'Back to the Future' series, understanding the financial aspects of film and television residuals can provide a deeper appreciation of the industry. With the ever-evolving landscape of media distribution, the future of residuals and their impact on actors' earnings continues to be an interesting topic.