Matthew Broderick was nearly Alex Keaton

Michael J. Fox will forever be remembered for playing Alex Keaton, but the part was very nearly played by another ‘80s heartthrob.

Matthew Broderick had auditioned for the role, but reportedly decided to turn it down after it became clear he would have to move to Los Angeles for the show - something the ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ star didn’t want to do.

Reflecting on what could have been, producer Garry David Goldberg said: “I'm thinking, 'Matthew who?' It was like 'boom.' He nailed it. He just played who he was, he played the other side. He was Mike. And as soon as he left, I turned to Judith, and I said, 'This kid's great. Why didn't you tell me about him?'"