Tom Wilson

[Threepwood4Life]

We all know Tom Wilson for playing Biff in all 3 BTTF movies plus he reprised the role for the now deceased BTTF ride and the animated series but I was wondering, do you think TellTale could pull it off and actually get him to voice Biff again?

The reason why I ask is cause of recent years, Wilson has been distancing himself from the series, he won't sign memorabilia, he doesn't like been asked questions about it, he admitted in an interview years ago he was embarrased about his role which is a real shame cause I don't understand why?

Some say its cause hes afraid of typecasting but to be honest he is been typecast in a way cause he does a lot of voiceover work and most of the characters he plays are like bully types very much like Biff, I've seen this a lot on Spongebob Squarepants when he voices an episode.

[Icedhope]

We all know Tom Wilson for playing Biff in all 3 BTTF movies plus he reprised the role for the now deceased BTTF ride and the animated series but I was wondering, do you think TellTale could pull it off and actually get him to voice Biff again?

The reason why I ask is cause of recent years, Wilson has been distancing himself from the series, he won't sign memorabilia, he doesn't like been asked questions about it, he admitted in an interview years ago he was embarrased about his role which is a real shame cause I don't understand why?

Some say its cause hes afraid of typecasting but to be honest he is been typecast in a way cause he does a lot of voiceover work and most of the characters he plays are like bully types very much like Biff, I've seen this a lot on Spongebob Squarepants when he voices an episode.

The reason he probably distances himself from back to the future, is because he doesn't want to keep playing the same character over and over again. I mean Thomas Wilson has portrayed Biff about 5 times, and maybe he is tired of the role. Wants to try a different route, he is a stand up comedian, and I'm sure if telltale wanted him, he would do it.

[Spykes]

I'd actually be pretty surprised if they aren't able to get him.

I'm sure he wanted to distance him self from the character some, but at a certain point.... a brothas' gotta eat! If it's decent pay for reading a couple lines over a weeks time, I'm sure he'd suck it up.

[Vainamoinen]

General Voice actor thread (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17276)
Second general voice actor thread, closed (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18069)
Third general voice actor thread, closed (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17334)
Thread discussing MJF's ability to do Marty's voice (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17963)
Thread asking specifically for Christopher Lloyd's voice (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17316)
Second thread asking specifically for Christopher Lloyd's voice (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18197)
Thread asking specifically for James Tolkan's voice (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17491)

Enough already! :D

[roberttitus]

I asked him on his official Youtube page, but he never responded...

On a side note...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwY5o2fsG7Y

[Jon NA]

General Voice actor thread (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17276)
Second general voice actor thread, closed (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18069)
Third general voice actor thread, closed (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17334)
Thread discussing MJF's ability to do Marty's voice (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17963)
Thread asking specifically for Christopher Lloyd's voice (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17316)
Second thread asking specifically for Christopher Lloyd's voice (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18197)
Thread asking specifically for James Tolkan's voice (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17491)

Enough already! :D

Geez Viana, You should have been a moderator ;)

[Threepwood4Life]

I saw that too and I sent him a question about it on his YouTube as well and he has a "pending approval" option switched on for all messages so its less likely he will reply nor even respond to any BTTF related questions which kinda sucks.

[Vainamoinen]

Geez Viana, You should have been a moderator ;)

I'd sticky the hell out of this sub-forum.
BTW, I applied, but never got an answer. :D

[Jon NA]

i'd sticky the hell out of this sub-forum.
Btw, i applied, but never got an answer. :d
:D But seriously those mods should learn some of your organising skills.
And those TellTale admins better make you a mod, ... or ... or else :D

[janezkranjc]

He's listed in IMDb as rumored for the game.

[doggans]

Tom Wilson is a wonderful comedian and an extremely nice guy, when he's not being pestered about BTTF stuff. It'd make me so very happy if he agreed to do the game...but I wouldn't be surprised either way.

[jp-30]

We're pretty lax mods, generally speaking - the forums aren't exactly high turnover and as far as I'm concerned it's fine to have a thread dedicated to Tom Wilson (note: there are no Tom Wilson threads in Vainamoinen's list)...



Also Sticky Threads suck.

[Threepwood4Life]

He's listed in IMDb as rumored for the game.

Not only that but James Tolkan has been rumoured to reprise his role as Mr Strickland (Hill Valley High School Principal)

[Lord-z]

He's listed in IMDb as rumored for the game.


Here is the thing about IMDB: It is only vaguely more moderated that Wikipedia. Anyone can upload information. In fact, it is harder to have false information removed than it is to add it. A few years ago, IMDB had it that Jay and Silent Bob was in a never aired episode of My Name is Earl. It took literally a year of dozens of people reporting the error to have it removed.

[Vainamoinen]

OK then, I'm cool and willing to contribute!! :D :D :D

Watch TFW doing voice over stuff this past month!! He's brilliant!

http://tomwilsonusa.blogspot.com/2010/08/voice-over.html

[MonkeyMania]

They can reuse the Biff model for each time period.

[thesporkman]

If he's not willing to do the voice, hopefully he'll at least let Telltale have the likeness rights...

[PedsterUK]

He's listed in IMDb as rumored for the game.
In 2011? Maybe for the finale episode?

and I agree, he seems a great guy, I'm subbed to him too

[Vainamoinen]

In 2011? Maybe for the finale episode?

Presuming 5 episodes, and also presuming a monthly release schedule starting next winter as announced, at least three and quite, quite possibly all episodes are released in 2011. ;)

[Javi-Wan Kenobi]

If it truly starts in winter, that's at least four episodes. Doesn't winter begins at mid-December?

[Threepwood4Life]

If it truly starts in winter, that's at least four episodes. Doesn't winter begins at mid-December?

Bob Gale stated in an interview that the 1st episode would be out in early November sometime after the DVD and Blu-Ray release of the trilogy. I'm guessing they are going to release them like they did with the first 2 seasons of Sam & Max where the 1st episode came out in November then we didn't get the 2nd till mid January because with it been the holiday season in December most of the team maybe taking time off.

[Vainamoinen]

Bob Gale stated in an interview that the 1st episode would be out in early November

"I think they're looking towards the end of October, beginning of November to release the first level." - This is not a confirmation of any release schedule. In fact, it's Bob Gale making assumptions. Also, at PAX, the original, non-commital time frame "this winter" was repeatedly stated and confirmed by Dennis Lenart from TTG.

Weren't we talking about Tom Wilson just now?

[Vainamoinen]

On-topic:

I'm checking Tom's blog every day, but it's still the old but fabulous "Voice over" video (which I could watch three times a day).

Actually, it would be great if no more announcements were made concerning voices, and then, with the first episode, we'd wonder where Biff is... and in the last stages of episode 1, we'd have a great surprising Biff introduction with Tom Wilson's voice. Wouldn't that be great?

[Vainamoinen]

Triple-post, uh-oh. Nonetheless:

Tom finally has a new video up! Nothing about the BTTF game, although the words "Hello McFly" are uttered at a certain point... but see for yourself. ;)

http://vimeo.com/16261528
http://tomwilsonusa.blogspot.com/

That guy is crrrrrazy as hell. ;)

[Cyphox]

Boomershine!!!!

[Elmo]

Triple-post, uh-oh. Nonetheless:

Tom finally has a new video up! Nothing about the BTTF game, although the words "Hello McFly" are uttered at a certain point... but see for yourself. ;)

http://vimeo.com/16261528
http://tomwilsonusa.blogspot.com/

That guy is crrrrrazy as hell. ;)

Haha, the face of Tom Wilson was brilliant when the guy said: "Hello McFly"

Really makes me doubt we'll see him doing any voice cast for BttF adventure game.
I'm still hoping he'll do it though.

[ionreflex]

O_o

Kinda hard to believe he's pesting about the role, I personally find it the most enjoying of the Trilogy!

IMHO to find him in TTG BTTF would be epic!

[Vainamoinen]

...and welcome to the forums, ionreflex! ;)

[Greg2600]

Sorry to hear that Tom is now so ambivalent about his BTTF roles. He was great, as he was in the Wing Commander games.

[Origami]

I emailed Tom Wilson to thank him for allowing his likeliness in the game. Don't know if he really appreciates that :D

[jp-30]

He likely has no idea. The merch/likeness rights are probably all in Universal's hands. :p

MJF was different as he specifically didn't let Universal get his likeness rights when he signed the movie contracts. And if Telltale did indeed asked Lloyd for his likeness, it was probably more out of courtesy than any legal obligation.

[Vainamoinen]

He likely has no idea. The merch/likeness rights are probably all in Universal's hands. :p

MJF was different as he specifically didn't let Universal get his likeness rights when he signed the movie contracts. And if Telltale did indeed asked Lloyd for his likeness, it was probably more out of courtesy than any legal obligation.

Aren't these rights supposed to expire after a certain period of time? After 20 (!) years, I can't imagine that Universal can still "permit" someone to use the face of an actor just because they were in these movies once. Also, weren't Crispin Glover's likeness rights the issue for BTTF II?

[Origami]

^
Yes. And otherwise they didn't need to ask M.J. Fox for his likeliness.

[jp-30]

Whether they expire or not is up to the individual contract, I guess. It's the likeness of the character that the studios own, and that ought to last.

[Vainamoinen]

It WOULD make things easier for TTG. But I'd love to hear an official answer in this matter.

Last thing I read about likeness rights was in Drew Struzan's latest book. Disney wanted him to paint posters for their "Indiana Jones" park ride in 1989. They had bought the rights for story and character - but instructed Drew explicitly not to paint Harrison Ford's likeness because these rights did not come with the character (Drew eventually actually called Ford at his private home and got his personal permission to paint his likeness, but that's another story ;) ).

[Eff One]

I'm sure if they drive a dumptruck up to Wilson's front lawn and drop a desirable amount of money on it, he will be up for it.

[Edward VanHelgen]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwY5o2fsG7Y

so good :D made me grab my guitar wishing to play it

[RMJ1984]

Yeah its kinda unique in the BTTF sense, most movies you have different villians so to speak. But what really makes BTTF work so great and yet so unique, is that you have this speciel way with Marty And Doc and the Biff.

He is just so larger than life haha, Those 3 actors atleast for me are the core of BTTF.

But i imagine it could be hard to keep coming up with new roles for BIFF. we have seen his young days, he old days, wild wild west biff, alternative reality BIFF.

[Spykes]

I imagine they'll try to find some way to include a Tannen into the game. Since we know that Marty will go back in time to meet young Doc, I'm sure Tannen will be a bully to the nerdy young Doc. Probably Biff's dad.

[PedsterUK]

I'm sure if they drive a dumptruck up to Wilson's front lawn and drop a desirable amount of manure, he will be up for it.

^ fixed...... "I hate manure!"....... Ok, I thought it was funny!

[Vainamoinen]

What exactly would you consider a desirable amount of manure?

[Cyphox]

but it wasnt real manure in the movies (as we all know), that would be very mean.

mmmmh... maybe he owns a drop-top? so we could put it right into his car. so we make sure he definitely gets the point

[LuigiHann]

What exactly would you consider a desirable amount of manure?

Just enough to properly fertilize the lawn and garden, I suppose

[Vainamoinen]

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/8083/wilsoncomments.gif

That really bothers me.

So it seems Tom Wilson (a professional voice actor) would have loved to do it, but wasn't contacted. I take his comments with a lot of grains of salt, though. He kept absolutely quiet for five months although I know for sure he had to erase a lot of comments inquiring about the game from his blog(s); would his agent have kept him from contacting TTG himself while there was still time? Is the active seeking of contact with TTG something unfitting to the actor? Or was his quietness some way of procrastinating the decision on how to react in case he is approached?

Telltale must have assumed that he doesn't want to be associated with the role any more; but still they got Tom's likeness rights, didn't they? So did that happen even without a phone call of some sorts? I can understand if he was left out for budgetary reasons (this game is expensive enough for such a small company; something Wilson doesn't seem to grasp by commenting "they're shooting for an inferior product"). But that there was no contact at all even when Christopher Lloyd was already on board?

Now Wilson seems p****d, which is a great pity, because he seems such a likeably guy - still I can't find any justification for him to attack a product he hasn't yet seen.

[Trackah123]

Yeah what made him "hate or dislike" BTTF so much i wonder? there must have been some point in his life that he eventually thought "i don't want to be associated with the whole BIFF character anymore, go away!" or something :confused:

It's too bad really because he was also 1 of the bigger roles in the BTTF movies. Without him the movies would be so different!

[Threepwood4Life]

I knew this would happen, hes turned his back on the franchise that made him what he is today, his stand-up isn't all that good anyway.

[guitarsareboring]

What a shame he's become so fed up with the series.

[Icedhope]

Nobody wants to be typecasted, and well it would be awesome to see a tannen played by wilson.

[Pinchpenny]

So it seems Tom Wilson (a professional voice actor) would have loved to do it, but wasn't contacted.

He doesn't say in the image you posted that he would have loved do it, just that he wasn't contacted. If he has indeed tried to distance himself from the Back to the Future franchise as I've read in this thread, then I don't think he would have loved to do it. Hell, he could have contacted them himself if he was so keen, but evidently he isn't.

[doggans]

I think a lot of people here might be overreacting about his desire to distance himself from the franchise. I've seen him live at a comedy club once, I own his album, and I own his standup DVD. In each of these standup performances, he does act a little exaggeratedly bitter, not about his association with the role, but about the fact that it's the only thing anyone ever wants to talk to him about. He's tired of being treated like a mere pop-culture footnote, which is understandable--even Leonard Nimoy felt the same way about Spock once.

[Silverwolfpet]

Wow...I don't get it! Why? I mean...why??

[Strayth]

but still they got Tom's likeness rights, didn't they?
No they didn't.

Except for Micheal j Fox and Crispin Glover, the likeness rights is Universal's problem.

[tarasis]

He doesn't say in the image you posted that he would have loved do it, just that he wasn't contacted. If he has indeed tried to distance himself from the Back to the Future franchise as I've read in this thread, then I don't think he would have loved to do it. Hell, he could have contacted them himself if he was so keen, but evidently he isn't.

I think they're possibly just interpreting he comment about obviously wanting to release an inferior product. Doesn't seem the sort of thing you'd say if you weren't interesting in doing it.

[Meta Ray Mek]

Woah, woah. Lemme get this straight:

Tom isn't too keen on his role as Biff and has tried to disassociate himself from it in recent years (for understandable reasons, I guess). But now he's suddenly sour grapes because Telltale didn't contact him about being the character he's openly dissed in the game?

.... My head hurts.

[Strayth]

Woah, woah. Lemme get this straight:

Tom isn't too keen on his role as Biff and has tried to disassociate himself from it in recent years (for understandable reasons, I guess). But now he's suddenly sour grapes because Telltale didn't contact him about being the character he's openly dissed in the game?

.... My head hurts.

He never did that ? oO He's just pissed that people only talk to him about the movies. He never said he hated the movies nor his character...

If a game is made out of the movies that made your career and use your character and likeness, and aren't even contacted, wouldn't you be a little pissed ?

I mean, look at Star wars actors ... That doesn't mean they're not all up for some voice acting or photoshooting from time to time ...

[Origami]

^
Still.....if you want to distance yourself from BttF, doing a voice in the game isn't the way to do that.

But now that I think about it....maybe he doesn't want to distance himself. Just like is said he's just tired of people ONLY associating him with BttF and nothing else. As if that's the only thing he's done.

I think Tom Wilson embraces BttF. He's real thankful for the experience and he wrote a song relating to it in his show. If he really wanted to dinstance himself he wouldn't have done that. He's just a little tired of all the 'Butthead requests and 'Hey, McFly!'

I think Tom Wilson was willing to do this. I think he'd approach it as a gig. Means to earn his bread. I mean it's the most easy money for him and probably a lot of fun with little stress. Just 2 days worth of speaking lines of a character you're familiar with.

[Meta Ray Mek]

Honestly? I pretty much remember Tom as the good-but-paranoid/conspiracy theorist cop Matt Bluestone from 'Disney's Gargoyles'. It wasn't until recently (thanks to TV Tropes) did I find out he was Biff.

Go figure.

[Moxxi]

The guy happened to appear in one of the most beloved comedy-adventure movies of the 20th century (and its well-loved sequels). I could see distancing myself from it in 1995, 2000 and maybe up until 2005, but eventually you have to admit "People loved me in this movie. 25 years later people love it more than ever. Maybe it's time to embrace it, as I haven't managed to top that in a quarter of a century." That's not to say he's not an accomplished comedian and actor, but he struck gold out of the gate, like Cuba Gooding Jr. There are a million actors who would kill for that opportunity. Come on, Tom! Hug it out, Biff!

[markeres]

I can understand if he was left out for budgetary reasons (this game is expensive enough for such a small company; something Wilson doesn't seem to grasp by commenting "they're shooting for an inferior product").This has to be the reason (well, either that or they contacted his agent and the agent passed on Wilson's behalf without consulting with him). I really don't think Telltale would intentionally not contact him if they could afford him.

Honestly, it's Telltale's silence on this topic that bothers me more than Wilson's comments and his conflicting attitudes toward BTTF. Somebody from the team popping in here and saying "Sorry, our voice actor budget just wasn't big enough" (or whatever the real explanation is) would end all the speculation right away. Are there legalities involved with doing something like that?

[PrivateJoker]

I think the role portrayed him in a very negative way, and all though he received a lot of very positive attention for the role, he did not feel that it was his best work and does not like considering it being his most well known work.

[Origami]

^
Imho I do think it's his best work together with his comedy shows, the guy is seriously funny. Apart from these I haven't seen his other work though, so why am I so hasty to dare say BttF is one of his best works if not best?

In the movies, especially BttF2, pulls off an amazing feat. He displays five(five!) different alterations of Biff(I am counting Griff) and somehow he makes you forget they are all played by the same actor! He displays them all so well and all in their own way. That is just an admirable piece of acting.

Even now when I rewatch BttF 2 and I see the 'evil Biff' from 1985A I have trouble imagining it's the same guy playing the 'Bully Biff' in 1985 and the same guy playing a crazy futuristc teenager in 2015.

[Ghost Rider LSOV]

Honestly? I pretty much remember Tom as the good-but-paranoid/conspiracy theorist cop Matt Bluestone from 'Disney's Gargoyles'. It wasn't until recently (thanks to TV Tropes) did I find out he was Biff.

Go figure.

I'll mostly remember him as Major Todd "Maniac" Marshall from Wing Commander III and IV (Prophecy is a nightmare that never happened :p).

[markeres]

Honestly? I pretty much remember Tom as the good-but-paranoid/conspiracy theorist cop Matt Bluestone from 'Disney's Gargoyles'. It wasn't until recently (thanks to TV Tropes) did I find out he was Biff.

Go figure.

I'll mostly remember him as Major Todd "Maniac" Marshall from Wing Commander III and IV (Prophecy is a nightmare that never happened :p).I'll always remember him as Coach Fredricks from "Freaks and Geeks". Well, in addition to Biff. :)

[doggans]

But now he's suddenly sour grapes because Telltale didn't contact him about being the character he's openly dissed in the game?

I don't believe for one second that he's actually bitter, or seriously dissing the game. It was a joke. He makes those from time to time, being a snarky comedian. ;)

[Vainamoinen]

I don't believe for one second that he's actually bitter, or seriously dissing the game. It was a joke. He makes those from time to time, being a snarky comedian. ;)

For a joke, there's unfortunately the punchline missing. I could think of one, but it would be too optimistic to even think of it. ;)

[corruptbiggins]

It is entirely possible that he is involved in the game but just can't say anything about it, due to a NDA and/or simply wanting to keep it a surprise.

[doggans]

For a joke, there's unfortunately the punchline missing.

Granted, not everybody appreciates everybody else's style of humor, but I think "inferior product" is a fine punchline. It's an example of exaggeratedly-absurd egotism, like mock-bragging about how your arrival at a party makes it stop sucking.

To break down the joke more closely: The setup is "I wasn't asked to do the BTTF game." The punchline is "Clearly, they're shooting for an inferior product." Obviously, the idea that any company would have "inferior product" as their goal is ridiculous, but the word "clearly" implies that it's the only possible explanation. Acting like the most ridiculous explanation is the logical one is an old joke format, and is in fact the basis of "Strange Minds Think Alike (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/StrangeMindsThinkAlike)".

But again, I've listened to a lot of Tom's standup comedy, where he does a lot of pseudo-egotistical jokes, and then I met him in person, where he proved himself to be much nicer and more generous than his comic persona, so I'm sure a familiarity with his style versus his real self helps contextualize the joke.

[docbrown2015]

I met Tom back at FX 2002 in my Area and he was an Awesome Guy! so kind and Thankful, what a difference from the Films. :D

[Origami]

I believe Tom Wilson is an exceptional good guy in real life.
You should check his 'In Usa' videos. He hangs around with local people does some CRAZY recordings involving a pet doll. lol...

[PedsterUK]

Would rather meet Tom than Lady GaGa........ At least I know Tom is a guy!

[Ashki]

So if they didn't get Tom's likeness in the game, how exactly are they going to do eposide 2? It is listed as Get Tannen after all.

As for that picture, ouch, just ouch, William Atherton came back to do his role for the Ghostbusters game, and we all know that that character he did was majorly dislikable, but of course, that was an entirely different franchise altogether.

[Ash735]

Maybe Telltale are planning to do an Earl Boen again? As Monkey Island fans know, LeChuck was voiced by a different Voice Actor in the first episode, and was replaced with a different "Human LeChuck" for the next lot of episodes, until of course Episode 4 came around when LeChuck transforms back into his demon form and SURPRISE Earl Boen was back.

Of course revealed that Earl was retired so only wanted to make a one off trip to the studio, so they brought him in at the end to do the end of Episode 4 and all of 5 and at the same time re-record the lines from Episode 1 which would be used on the release DVD and port versions.

[Origami]

^
Huh?

So the DVD differs from the download version?

[Ash735]

^
Huh?

So the DVD differs from the download version?

Yeah, the download on Telltale's website features the voice actor who they got in to replace Boen (as does the Wii version). The DVD version, as well as the MAC version and PS3 version have Boen in the first episode.

[Vainamoinen]

I believe Tom Wilson is an exceptional good guy in real life.
You should check his 'In Usa' videos. He hangs around with local people does some CRAZY recordings involving a pet doll. lol...

You are assuming that people in here didn't read the beginning of the thread (the first two pages). Well, they'd NEVER...

:D

[Origami]

Yeah, the download on Telltale's website features the voice actor who they got in to replace Boen (as does the Wii version). The DVD version, as well as the MAC version and PS3 version have Boen in the first episode.


Are there other examples with TTG's game of where there is a difference in download version and disc version?

[tarasis]

Are there other examples with TTG's game of where there is a difference in download version and disc version?

Would love to know too, hadn't heard of this change till now.

[Alan Johnson]

My understanding is that we DID reach out to Tom Wilson's people.

[Masta23]

My understanding is that we DID reach out to Tom Wilson's people.
so is he still unconfirmed?

[Shadowknight1]

My understanding is that we DID reach out to Tom Wilson's people.

But he told BTTF.com that he had not been contacted? Maybe some miscommunication somewhere along the pipeline?

[Alan Johnson]

But he told BTTF.com that he had not been contacted? Maybe some miscommunication somewhere along the pipeline?

Where's that? Not seeing it on BTTF.com. But yeah, as far as I know, we have reached out to Tom Wilson's representatives.

[jp-30]

It's possible (probable) his agent has been told he doesn't do any BTTF related stuff, so the lines of communication from Telltale may have been shut down pretty much immediately.

Alan, I think BTTF.com just used his comments on youtube as the basis for a story.

[Shadowknight1]

BTTF.com has confirmed that to date, despite what IMDb.com states, Tom Wilson has not been offered the voice role of "Biff Tannen" in the games.

From the article here: http://bttf.com/telltale-provides-first-look-at-back-to-the-future-the-game.php

[Masta23]

From the article here: http://bttf.com/telltale-provides-first-look-at-back-to-the-future-the-game.php
That must be wrong.. there is no way that Telltale wouldn't attempt to get the proper actor for Biff.

[Ashki]

Where's that? Not seeing it on BTTF.com. But yeah, as far as I know, we have reached out to Tom Wilson's representatives.

Well, I hope you do get him, cause having all the voice actors, sans Fox would be great, but from that YouTube comment he left in that one picture, I kinda have my doubts.

Hope I'm wrong though.

[markeres]

But yeah, as far as I know, we have reached out to Tom Wilson's representatives.So, it sounds like Telltale did want Wilson and could afford him, Wilson probably would have wanted to do it, but somebody in the middle shut it down. Bah! That's just sad, then. Whoever's "representing" Tom Wilson obviously isn't doing such a good job representing him if they turned away a project he probably would have wanted to do. They must have never heard of Telltale or automatically assumed that "BTTF video game" = crap. And based on past experiences with BTTF video games, I don't blame 'em.

Is there any chance the first episode may be sent to his people upon completion so they can see that it's a quality product and maybe an Earl Boen-like thing can be worked out, where Wilson can come in and record the rest of the episodes and re-record the ones he missed?

[jp-30]

There is an awful lot of speculation going on in this thread (I know, I've been party to it too), but let's be careful not to assume too much regarding the specifics of Wilson not reprising Biff in the game.

[Hamkaas]

The funny thing is, when I heard there was gonna be a back to te future game. I some sort of expected Christopher Lloyd and Tom Wilson (of all actors) to lend their voice to it.

But that comment of Tom is sure confusing. It could be a joke after all! He seems like the type of guy (with the kind of humor) who likes to fool us all. And of course Telltale tried to get him, obviously. But maybe they should sent him presents and stuff, so he'll change his mind.:p
(If it was his own choice)

Otherwise I still have hope he will show up in the second episode.
That release date is somewhere after about two months, right?

[Masta23]

The funny thing is, when I heard there was gonna be a back to te future game. I some sort of expected Christopher Lloyd and Tom Wilson (of all actors) to lend their voice to it.

But that comment of Tom is sure confusing. It could be a joke after all! He seems like the type of guy (with the kind of humor) who likes to fool us all. And of course Telltale tried to get him, obviously. But maybe they should sent him presents and stuff, so he'll change his mind.:p
(If it was his own choice)

Otherwise I still have hope he will show up in the second episode.
That release date is somewhere after about two months, right?
Yes in February sometime. They did the same thing for Sam and Max season 2 (presumably because of Christmas/New Year).

[jp-30]

But that comment of Tom is sure confusing. It could be a joke after all! He seems like the type of guy (with the kind of humor) who likes to fool us all. And of course Telltale tried to get him, obviously. But maybe they should sent him presents and stuff, so he'll change his mind.:p
(If it was his own choice)

There are certain protocols when it comes to booking talent. It is done via their agent. It would be totally unprofessional for Telltale to send gifts and contact Tom directly, hounding him.

And if the agent is screening BTTF related requests, I'm sure they're doing so for a reason.

[Origami]

^
Umm...obviously he was joking. ;

[jp-30]

¬¬

Hmmm.

[Hamkaas]

Oh sorry. Yeah, I didn't meant that seriously.

[Origami]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwY5o2fsG7Y

Again someone asked him if he was contacted. He replied:

"Again, no."


Alan, please take note of this and maybe you could let the rest of the TTG team know about it.
It would be a pity if Tom Wilson wasn't in the game only due to miscommunication.

[Shadowknight1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwY5o2fsG7Y

Again someone asked him if he was contacted. He replied:

"Again, no."


Alan, please take note of this and maybe you could let the TTG team know about it.
It would be a pity if Tom Wilson wasn't in the game only due to miscommunication.

Agreed.

[Alan Johnson]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwY5o2fsG7Y

Again someone asked him if he was contacted. He replied:

"Again, no."


Alan, please take note of this and maybe you could let the rest of the TTG team know about it.
It would be a pity if Tom Wilson wasn't in the game only due to miscommunication.

The team is definitely aware of this. And I will re-iterate it again, as far as I know, Telltale did, in fact, reach out to Tom Wilson's reps.

[Elvenmonk]

It's too late to reach out and get him now though, for a second shot. :/

[markeres]

It's too late to reach out and get him now though, for a second shot. :/Not necessarily. Again, Earl Boen. He can always get on board for the later episodes and re-record the earlier ones, if he's so inclined.

[Elvenmonk]

Earl Boen?
I'm sure TellTale has most of the lines recorded for atleast Ep1-3 perhaps 4 now.

[Origami]

^
No they don't.
In the interview with AVGN AJ said how he doesn't know what's going to happen further.
Also I think somewhere in the live chat or in a Q&A with the developers they have only written up till ep 2.
But that was a couple of weeks ago.

Still I don't think they have recorded most of the material yet since they're probably still working on the details of the story of some eps.

[Brainiac]

My thinking always was that Mr. Wilson may not have been contacted yet since Biff (or one of his ancestors) won't be showing up until Get Tannen. I mean, the family name is in the title. Add in the skipping over of January for Episode 2's release and there's plenty of time to contact him. However, if there really is some sort of miscommunication going on, that should be addressed...quickly.

[Tyrfing42]

^
No they don't.
In the interview with AVGN AJ said how he doesn't know what's going to happen further.
Also I think somewhere in the live chat or in a Q&A with the developers they have only written up till ep 2.
But that was a couple of weeks ago.

Still I don't think they have recorded most of the material yet since they're probably still working on the details of the story of some eps.
"Why do we always have to cut these things so damn close?"
~ Marty McFly on working with Telltale

[Ash735]

Earl Boen?
I'm sure TellTale has most of the lines recorded for atleast Ep1-3 perhaps 4 now.

If Monkey Island is anything to go by, they usually have a set outline of the story, but the little things like small comments, chatty things, etc, are written right up to the next monthly recording session. That's how they were able to get the Grog xD reference in TOMI.

[Origami]

^
Exactly what I was thinking. Main red thread narrative is already mapped out, then the eps are fleshed out accordingly.

[Edward VanHelgen]

The facts:

Wilson says he has not been contacted. And that's about all the facts we got so far.


Now, if we are really to presume that Telltale couldn't reach Wilson through chains of his agents - wouldn't Telltale if they were serious about getting Wilson for role notice sooner or later that Wilson is not responding or is not aware of the deal, and wouldn't they contact him personally? I mean, the guy has a Youtube channel, how hard is to contact him and see if he is willing to do it at first place.

So, either Tom Wilson is lying or Telltale didn't contact him so far.

If we are to believe that Wilson is telling the truth, then why Telltale didn't contact him?

1) They didn't want to contact him.
2) Someone other then Telltale involved in production didn't want Wilson involved in project.
3) They didn't contact him yet, but they will for later episodes.

[Origami]

wouldn't Telltale if they were serious about getting Wilson for role notice sooner or later that Wilson is not responding or is not aware of the deal

No, TellTale probably likes to refrain from giving others bad publicity.
They wanted to keep this under the wraps and just wait for the gamers to play the game.
They might've thought that announcing Tom Wilson is not involved would give people less of an incentive to purchase the game and call it 'faaaake' etcetc.

For now the best move for TellTale is just to keep it low.
Which could also be because things are undecided as of yet. They might still plan on getting him on board.

[Edward VanHelgen]

"notice" does not stand here for Telltale to notice public about it

what i meant with notice is their own awareness of the fact that Tom Wilson didn't get their proposition

[xChri5x]

Maybe we should blame Tom Wilson's agent. He's probably pulling a Grima Wormtongue on him.

[Jtucker1789]

Maybe they're waiting to see exactly how much they make off of the first episode until they attempt to get Tom Wilson to voice Biff. All they need is a couple days to record dialogue, maybe they aren't completely finished with the game.

[Hituro]

Actually I've seen Tom Wilson's stand up and he jokes about a lot of the questions he gets asked about BTTF, even has a song about it. He's pretty light hearted with it, so I don't see why he wouldn't want to do the voice of the Tannens

[jp-30]

wouldn't Telltale if they were serious about getting Wilson for role notice sooner or later that Wilson is not responding or is not aware of the deal, and wouldn't they contact him personally?

No. Again, there is a procedure in place for contacting talent, and bypassing their agents is not the proper way to conduct business.

[PedsterUK]

TBH Biff without Tom is like selling a car without an engine.

We know MJF can't do Marty, for obvious reasons and we accept that.

We just need to wait and see with Tom - and if he is bugged by random people asking if he is voicing Biff, it may tip him over the edge. Not good.

[Vainamoinen]

TBH Biff without Tom is like selling a car without an engine.

Please... no... car... similes... had... enough... of... these... ;)

[markeres]

My thinking always was that Mr. Wilson may not have been contacted yet since Biff (or one of his ancestors) won't be showing up until Get Tannen.I would be shocked, SHOCKED, if there's no Tannen at all in the first episode. Then again, that would explain why we haven't seen him in any gameplay footage or promotional materials (once again, excluding the "Blitz Through Time" instructions). But that would also mean that the 1931 part of the game extends over at least two episodes (because of the 1931 Tannen we saw in those instructions), and I kind of just naturally assumed that we would be visiting at least one new time period per episode (because the way I see it, if you're going to build a "Back to the Future" video game into an episodic series, why not do it with some style? And by "with some style" I mean, at least one new time period per episode). Either way, I just can't imagine a Tannen not being in the first episode. The Tannens are integral to "Back to the Future": it's always Marty and Doc trying to fix the past (or the future) and a Tannen standing in their way.

Which, to bring the point home, is why it would be so sweet if they could get Tom Wilson after all. I'm sure whoever they cast as the replacement voice is, at the very least, passable, but there's no beating the real deal. I'm prayin' for a Christmas miracle...

[Origami]

^
Surprisingly I wouldn't be shocked if there was no Tannen in ep.1
BttF is not just about the Tannens, but also about solving space-time continuum problems like preventing paradoxes or altering an unfortunate future...or retaining one.

Personally I'd prefer to have no Tannen in ep.1
Maybe some references to him or something, but I'd like to see a nice buildup throughout the episodes with each one getting more tense and exciting. We can safely assume that ep.4 double visions is going to have multiple Marty's and/or Doc and I am glad that they're saving that stuff up for ep.4
Makes me wonder what the finale will be about. :D

Also...I suspect that in ep.2 we'll be going to the 40's and face Kid Tannen.

[Vainamoinen]

There will be (a) Biff in episode 1. I sense that his name will be... Kid Tannen, of course!! It's the 30's, that's where this character belongs!

[Ashki]

^
Surprisingly I wouldn't be shocked if there was no Tannen in ep.1
BttF is not just about the Tannens, but also about solving space-time continuum problems like preventing paradoxes or altering an unfortunate future...or retaining one.

Personally I'd prefer to have no Tannen in ep.1
Maybe some references to him or something, but I'd like to see a nice buildup throughout the episodes with each one getting more tense and exciting.

Also...I suspect that in ep.2 we'll be going to the 40's and face Kid Tannen.

Well, if you had a kid Tannen, that'd at least solve the Wilson problem, though one can only hope that the situation with Mr. Wilson can get fixed, though it's weird that Telltale says that they tried to get ahold of him and he says that they didn't.

Personally, that sounds like it's a problem with his agent more then anything, IMO anyways.

[Vainamoinen]

though it's weird that Telltale says that they tried to get ahold of him and he says that they didn't.

When and where exactly did anyone working at Telltale state something like that?

[Origami]

^
Flip back a page. =)

[Ashki]

When and where exactly did anyone working at Telltale state something like that?

Previous page, very first post where Alan Johnson said that they tried getting ahold of his representatives.

[Vainamoinen]

Whooops, I missed that, thank you! How can I miss anything in this forum?? Bwaaagh!!

[Origami]

Ah...so you're human after all. :P

[Ashki]

Whooops, I missed that, thank you! How can I miss anything in this forum?? Bwaaagh!!

Like I mentioned, to me that sounds like an agent problem, maybe Tom needs to get himself a set of new agents or something.

[jp-30]

But if Tom has told his agents not to accept any Back to the Future related work, then they would have just been doing as instructed by their employer. And given his lack of participation in reunions and Blueray promotion and anniversary celebrations, I think this is a possible reason why word may not have reached him.

A second reach out to the agents is probably on the cards from Telltale (unless their current Biff is contracted in for the season already), but if Tom is willing to participate he needs to find out the actual situation from his agents and be proactive in getting them talking with TTG.

[Edward VanHelgen]

one stupid question - do we know that Wilson has agents at all? Does he need agents? What if he has gone independent and doing his own managerial jobs?

[Vainamoinen]

If TTG staff members have tried to contact "his reps", we must assume that he's not "gone independent". ;)

[Origami]

^
*phoenix wright soundtrack playing*

[doggans]

one stupid question - do we know that Wilson has agents at all? Does he need agents? What if he has gone independent and doing his own managerial jobs?

Last I checked, his website and some of his videos listed contact info for his manager.

It'd be weird for an entertainment professional to just decide to stop having an agent or manager, since a good part of their purpose is to handle the business negotiations so the talent only has to worry about the creative work. If Tom had gotten rid of his agents and managers, he would spend a lot less time acting or writing standup material, and a lot more time booking gigs and negotiating prices.

Then again, maybe some actors ENJOY doing the negotiating themselves.

[RAnthonyMahan]

Bad news: Tom Wilson is confirmed to not voice Biff.
Good news: He's being voiced by Andrew "Kid Beyond" Chaikin, who I feel can pull off a decent impression.

[Origami]

^
Hmm....the voice for Biff is the first voice that doesn't sit well with me.
I think he sounds too heavy as 'kiss up' Bill. Maybe they could digitally alter it a bit?
Raise the voicepitch?

Ahh well...you can't win 'em all. Character design however, is great!


I think the ones for George and Young Doc Brown are great though. Even better than great.

[doggans]

Yeah, I'm sad not to hear Tom, and the sample wasn't a dead-on imitation...but Andrew's a great actor, and I'm sure the performance will be wonderful.

[Ash735]

Pretty sad that Tom Wilson is not involved, even more after hearing those samples on the website, they feel like they're missing something, James Arnold Taylor does a great job at mimicking Lloyds mannerisms though.

[Origami]

I still hope it's a big stunt by TellTale with a surprise reveal that Tom DOES the voice.

[doggans]

I still hope it's a big stunt by TellTale with a surprise reveal that Tom DOES the voice.

I wouldn't cling too hard to that hope if I were you.

Best we can hope for is another Earl Boen situation, and even that's only a slight possibility. (Though it wouldn't be the first time Andrew got replaced partway through a season!)

[presidentmax]

well that pretty much destroys all excitement I had for this game. Biff is my favourite character, and the new voice actor isn't promising in the slightest.

The voice actor can't even say 'butthead' right, even I can do a better impression.

This just ruins it for me... I didn't expect them to get Tom Wilson, however I expected a promising voice actor like AJ.

This guy sounds nothing like him...

(I know I'm getting too melodramatic and jumping to conclusions on a few voice clips, I'm just bumbed out over this)

[Ashki]

I am disappointed to hear that Wilson is not doing the voice, but then of course, that's the kinda thing that happens when you have to go threw an agent instead of talking directly with the person. :rolleyes:

All I can hope is that the sound alike is like AJ and can pull off a decent impersonation, though after reading some of the comments....

[presidentmax]

well that pretty much destroys all excitement I had for this game. Biff is my favourite character, and the new voice actor isn't promising in the slightest.

The voice actor can't even say 'butthead' right, even I can do a better impression.

This just ruins it for me... I didn't expect them to get Tom Wilson, however I expected a promising voice actor like AJ.

This guy sounds nothing like him...

(I know I'm getting too melodramatic and jumping to conclusions on a few voice clips, I'm just bumbed out over this)

Just to say if I came across nasty towards the voice actor...

Mean no disrespect to the new voice actor, I just don't think he is promising for THIS role. I'm sure the game will be great and it seems like present biff plays a big role like in the second movie (which is my fav) just sad they couldn't get Tom.

[presidentmax]

Actually after listening over the voice clips again I think this new voice can at least do a good impression of the 'suck-up, pushover' side of present time-altered Biff, although still not so sure about doing angry Biff.

Still hate how he says butthead compared to...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RklmmDeH6g8

[Spykes]

Ya, I'm not super impressed with the guy doing Biff's voice. No offense, he just seems to be a bit off.

Not a deal breaker for me, but unfortunate never the less.

[Ashki]

Just wondering, where is everyone hearing this person doing Biff's voice?

[mcfly88]

www.telltalegames.com/bttf

get on there son!

[presidentmax]

Nostalgia is probably the problem here for me. I think I'll warm up to this new voice.

Just glad they told us now and and given us samples of the new voice to get used to before the game comes out.

[Jtucker1789]

I personally think he sounds like Biff in the first part of the line "You're lucky your old man's here" but he just can't get the "butthead" part right...it's higher pitched when Tom Wilson says it. He does however sound like the 1985 whiny Biff.

[Jtucker1789]

Sadly "Butthead" is the crucial part of that line,lol. I wish Tom Wilson would've done this game at least...it will probably be the last new Back to the Future story we will get.

[Ashki]

www.telltalegames.com/bttf

get on there son!

Ah, I thought that you were directing me to a video on the front page, but I see that they updated the bar on the top where all the "coming soon" stuff has been fixed.

[plrichard]

It is kind of disheartening to me when I consider the fact that Christopher Lloyd is the only actor that has actually gotten on board so far (as we know). However, I'm extremely pleased with AJ's Marty as well as the guy who is doing George (since Crispin Glover wasn't even a possibility). Still, it seems sad that so few of them will be involved. Thank God Telltale is making this game or I probably would've lost faith by now.

[Jtucker1789]

Maybe James Tolkan will reprise Mr. Strickland! He was probably alive in the 30's. Maybe his Dad is a authority figure in the 30's since he was the son of Marshall Strickland in the old west...just wishful thinking lol.

[markeres]

Ya, I'm not super impressed with the guy doing Biff's voice. No offense, he just seems to be a bit off.

Not a deal breaker for me, but unfortunate never the less.This is pretty much exactly how I feel about the new Biff voice. The problem, I think, is that all three sound clips are of "Wimpy Biff" (even the butthead line), which is the Biff we saw least in the movies. If we could hear some lines of "Bully Biff", I'd be able to make a better assessment. But, for now, I'm putting down the "Wimpy Biff" voice as "just OK".

Just glad they told us now and and given us samples of the new voice to get used to before the game comes out.Me too. The more I listen to it, the more I'll be able to get used to it before I play the game. I'm still clinging to the hope that Telltale will be able to get Tom Wilson for the later episodes somehow, though. I wouldn't even mind if they brought him in after the series to re-record the whole thing for the DVD (no offense to Andrew Chaikin, who I'm sure would still get paid :p).

[Jtucker1789]

As far as I know, this is the first time someone other than Tom Wilson has played Biff. He did it for the ride (that was Universal Orlando's best attraction in my opinion), and he voiced the cartoon. Maybe he will get jealous and burst into the studio saying "What are you lookin' at butthead? No one can voice this character but me." lol :D

[Origami]

^
We can only hope.

I have a feeling though that if Kid Beyond guy turns out to be Biff(I still suspect a surprise appearance from Tom Wilson) his voice clips haven't gone through the sound machine yet.

[jaybyron]

Telltale,

This is from a concerned fan who just saw the bio for Biff on the BTTF website. I am very concerned this voice actor, who is not Thomas Wilson, will be able to convey the "Bully Biff". His use of the word "butthead" just didn't do it for me.

Why couldn't Thomas Wilson be used?

Also, it would be great if you could post a sound clip of Biff acting like a bully and using the word "butthead" that would respect the spirit of Back to the Future to show us that this Kid Beyond can do Biff justice.

Keep up the Good Work!

[plrichard]

I seriously doubt your theory of Telltale faking us out. However, the fact that Wilson said he was never contacted when we have confirmation from Telltale that at least his representatives had been contacted is really strange to me and leads me to believe that we might see an Earl Boen situation when they finally get everything worked out. Also, the Biff concept art appears to use Wilson's likeness. It seems weird that they would have had enough contact with Tom to get the rights to his likeness but yet he insists he never was contacted...there's a lot about this that is extremely confusing...

[LuigiHann]

I feel like the Biff sound clips are too short to get a real sense of the character. I look forward to meeting him in the game and hearing him talk a bit more.

[Spykes]

Ya, I'm actually already warming to the Biff voice a bit. I agree with the poster who said that the "wimpy" Biff voice didn't impress me, but the "bully" voice (the butthead clip) sounded better on repeat plays.

Again, it's not a huge deal to me, it's close enough that I can let it slide. I'm still just happy we're getting new BttF stories like this.

[Jtucker1789]

Yeah, It's all confusing. They haven't mentioned a word openly about Tom Wilson, but revealed more than once that Michael J. Fox wouldn't be the voice for Marty. It doesn't make sense..This is right up Tom Wilson's alley, he does voices all the time. I would think he'd be glad to do this (yes i've seen the question song don't post it as a response to this, please). The only thing he's unhappy with is people badgering him all the time about the role asking him the same questions. Anyway, first he's supposedly not contacted, then concept art is revealed that has the complete likeness of him? Idk..

[CaptainN]

Maybe instead of asking Tom 10 times if they contacted him someone should ask if he would even consider wanting to do it. Personally (no offence to the voice actor) but the current VA doesnt sound close enough. certainly not now we've all heard AJ and the george voice. But it will have to do if Tom doesnt want to do it. Though I understand. There's only so many times you can hear " Hey, butthead." or " Hello, Mcflly" till you get completely sick of it all.

[Alan Johnson]

^
We can only hope.

I have a feeling though that if Kid Beyond guy turns out to be Biff(I still suspect a surprise appearance from Tom Wilson) his voice clips haven't gone through the sound machine yet.

Kid Beyond is playing Biff.

[LuigiHann]

Kid Beyond is awesome.

[Anthony817]

Kid beyond does amazing beat boxing.

[xChri5x]

http://www.filmsite.org/fotos/backtothefuture2_15.jpg

[Anthony817]

http://www.filmsite.org/fotos/backtothefuture2_15.jpg

Chri5, go and listen to the voice work he has done on the game page.

He sounds dead on, and he has done voice work for a ton of games already.

[xChri5x]

Dead on? Oh boy...

[Benito]

Well, this is a disappointment.

[Edward VanHelgen]

Also, the Biff concept art appears to use Wilson's likeness. It seems weird that they would have had enough contact with Tom to get the rights to his likeness but yet he insists he never was contacted...

i'm complete idiot when it comes to law, and i tried to read this article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personality_rights) about personality rights but still don't get it - do you actually need to contact actor in order to get rights to likeness or is it enough to get rights from the film rights holder? If you don't need approval from an actual actor then that would explain it why Wilson says he wasn't contacted at all

[doggans]

Kid Beyond's voice work has always been stellar in other Telltale titles. I have no reason to doubt that I'll enjoy his Biff performance in the context of the conversations and story, even if a few isolated lines sound jarring at first.

[Origami]

To the people that mention the likeliness.
Take into consideration that the art looks like Tom Wilson with all the make-up.
I don't think they resemble young Biff that much.

[Tromeritus]

Only a bit disappointed with the clips, but they might have been early on and Kid Beyond might be trying out different voices for each era.

In the end, I suppose it's no worse then getting adjusted to TTG's more Dan Ackroyd-ish Sam after being used to the manic John Candy-ish VA from the cartoon.

[xChri5x]

In the end, I suppose it's no worse then getting adjusted to TTG's more Dan Ackroyd-ish Sam after being used to the manic John Candy-ish VA from the cartoon.
:confused:

[Secret Fawful]

You seem to have some trouble understanding his native language. I'll translate.

He said, "In the end, I suppose it's no worse then getting adjusted to TTG's more Dan Ackroyd-ish Sam after being used to the manic John Candy-ish VA from the cartoon."

[plrichard]

i'm complete idiot when it comes to law, and i tried to read this article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personality_rights) about personality rights but still don't get it - do you actually need to contact actor in order to get rights to likeness or is it enough to get rights from the film rights holder? If you don't need approval from an actual actor then that would explain it why Wilson says he wasn't contacted at all

I honestly don't know either, but I was assuming since the announcement that "Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox have allowed us to use their likenesses" means that you have to get the the approval of the individual actors.

[Origami]

^
Read my post.
If they use the likeliness of Tom Wilson covered in make-up they don't have to ask for permission. Since future Biff doesn't look like the real Tom Wilson.

[Edward VanHelgen]

If that's the case we won't see young Biff anywhere in the game, especially if you need an approval from an artist, since Wilson says he wasn't contacted at all about the video game.

[Origami]

^
It is possible to see a young Biff. But his face will probably resemble the wimpy Biff more.

[Ashki]

If that's the case we won't see young Biff anywhere in the game, especially if you need an approval from an artist, since Wilson says he wasn't contacted at all about the video game.

And I still think Wilson needs a new set of representatives since Telltale said that they got a hold of them, but he says they didn't. I can understand needing to go to the middleman, but middlemen still suck.

[Alan Johnson]

And I still think Wilson needs a new set of representatives since Telltale said that they got a hold of them, but he says they didn't. I can understand needing to go to the middleman, but middlemen still suck.

That's correct. In fact we went through a few different channels in our efforts to reach out to Mr. Wilson.

[Ashki]

That's correct. In fact we went through a few different channels in our efforts to reach out to Mr. Wilson.

Well, it's a shame that you couldn't go directly to him, especially since he does have a YouTube channel, but yeah, as it was mentioned, that would be rude.

Shame though that for whatever reason, his reps apparently didn't tell him about the offer.

[Origami]

^
I think what Alan is trying to say here with 'a few different channels' that they also tried his Youtube channel.

[Ashki]

^
I think what Alan is trying to say here with 'a few different channels' that they also tried his Youtube channel.

Well, I thought that he said they didn't want to contact him personally, and since that is his YouTube channel, that'd be personally, IMO anyways.

[Origami]

Owh okay. Excuse me then.

[markeres]

At this point, what's past is past. The only relevant question is: Is Telltale going to continue to try to get Tom Wilson, as they were able to get Earl Boen, during the course of the season (perhaps using footage of the first and/or second episode to persuade Mr. Wilson's representatives that the game is a quality product that he should be involved with)? If the answer is yes, then I'm still holding out hope that he will come on board at some point. If the answer is no, that Telltale is no longer going to try to get him, then I will start accepting and getting used to Kid Beyond's performance.

[Santar]

You can really tell that James Arnold Taylor is a professional voice actor.
His lines are very very good I think. I can hear a bit of Lloyd in there. And the formula line is just perfect!

[Vainamoinen]

At this point, what's past is past. The only relevant question is: Is Telltale going to continue to try to get Tom Wilson, as they were able to get Earl Boen, during the course of the season (perhaps using footage of the first and/or second episode to persuade Mr. Wilson's representatives that the game is a quality product that he should be involved with)? If the answer is yes, then I'm still holding out hope that he will come on board at some point. If the answer is no, that Telltale is no longer going to try to get him, then I will start accepting and getting used to Kid Beyond's performance.


Start accepting.

The Biff incarnations are ongoing roles in the game, and except for recalls, the voice recordings are done, I presume. That means for Wilson to be cast now, they would essentially have to re-record and re-pay for each and every Tannen line spoken. That's just not in the budget, whatever the budget is.

[Origami]

@Santar

Agreed. It's truly a young Doc Brown imho.

[markeres]

the voice recordings are done, I presume.Only the first and second episodes are done, as far as I'm aware. There's still time. If Telltale says they're still going to try to reach out to Tom Wilson, I won't fully accept Kid Beyond as the new Biff until I hear him in episode 5. If Telltale says they're done trying to contact him, then I will start accepting him immediately.

[Origami]

^
inb4alansayswearedonetryingtocontacthim

[plrichard]

^
Read my post.
If they use the likeliness of Tom Wilson covered in make-up they don't have to ask for permission. Since future Biff doesn't look like the real Tom Wilson.

Crispin Glover sued Universal for using his likeness in BTTF2. Young George was no where in that movie.

[Origami]

^
Yes he was.
They used stock footage of him punching Biff and telling Lorraine "Are you okay?"
Owh and him dancing solo in the ball room but with a binocular filter.

Also, they tried to make the actor look like Crispin through prostetics.
Which is slightly easier to do than with a cartoon representations.

[plrichard]

^
Yes he was.
They used stock footage of him punching Biff and telling Lorraine "Are you okay?"
Owh and him dancing solo in the ball room but with a binocular filter.

Also, they tried to make the actor look like Crispin through prostetics.
Which is slightly easier to do than with a cartoon representations.

Doh! I forgot about that. But he specifically cited in a recent interview: "I just feel like I can be totally quiet about it and people [can] think that I've done this kind of wrong thing or I can tell the truth of what has happened. [Gale] did not address that what they did was totally immoral and illegal and just wrong. [They] put another actor into false nose, chin and cheekbones in order to fool people into believing that I was in the film."

[Origami]

^
I guess it's all relative and the judge looked at the total picture.
In Glover's case what he says about putting someone else in the movie fooling people it was him is true though. A lot of people only find out much later to be quite shocked.

So again, I don't know if Biff gave the okay word for his likeliness.
I am just 100% sure that if he would sue no judge would deem TTG to be guilty.
Yes their cartoon representation of Biff looks and feels like Biff, but it is not Tom Wilson.
At least not enough to win a case.

[Mysticales]

Personally.. I think BTTF could ask Tom to come back, but this time.. allow Biff to use either the Delorean or the Time train to come and save the day somehow. Instead of being the "Bully" maybe this bully can become the guy who saves the day somehow. After all, he knows Doc and Marty (Based off the BTTF Ride storyline, Doc DID save Biff too) So it could be the new angle.

[Sausy Gibbon]

I remind you that the first season of Sam and Max they changed the voice of Max in the space of the first and second episode. I'm not sure but I think William Kasten had to rerecorded all the lines Kid Beyond had to do for the second episode.

[Silverwolfpet]

Maybe we should blame Tom Wilson's agent. He's probably pulling a Grima Wormtongue on him.

Hahaha, good one!

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/103/grima.jpg

[Vainamoinen]

Well, every Back to the Future needs its scandal, so this whole Tom Wilson stuff actually makes the games BTTF 4. Don't you think? :D

(And it's Grima Wormtongue, not Silver Wolftongue!)

[Secret Fawful]

You know, it bugged me at first but Biff's new voice has grown on me. I'm sure you're all completely shocked that I'd say such a thing.

[Alan Johnson]

Well, every Back to the Future needs its scandal, so this whole Tom Wilson stuff actually makes the games BTTF 4. Don't you think? :D

(And it's Grima Wormtongue, not Silver Wolftongue!)

I don't think I would call it a 'scandal'.

[Masta23]

Well tbh getting Christopher Lloyd was the important one, as I think we can all agree. As long as the replacement voice actor does a good job of voicing Biff, I don't mind at all.

[MiKE42]

"So what`s the deal?"

OK can Alan Johnson or someone set me straight here?

Are we saying Tom Wilson was happy to reprise Biff for the
new games, but he didn`t get hired cos Telltale couldn`t
get a hold of him??? Eh???

That we have a Wilson-less BTTF project, when he even did the crappy
(sorry) cartoon version, just cos of a communication
breakdown!?

As a BTTF fan of 25 years, that`s more than frustrating!
Or as Doc would say "unbelievable!"

Or am I wrong somewhere?

Cheers!

(Ps pllllllllease TT get Tom for the sequel, as I`m sure this game
will still be a big success and lead to one. But having only Chris
Lloyd ,of the original cast, just aint enough! For me anyway.)

[doggans]

Are we saying Tom Wilson was happy to reprise Biff for the new games, but he didn`t get hired cos Telltale couldn`t
get a hold of him??? Eh???

Well, we don't know for a fact if Tom would have been happy to do it or not. All we can do is speculate.

[markeres]

Are we saying Tom Wilson was happy to reprise Biff for the
new games, but he didn`t get hired cos Telltale couldn`t
get a hold of him??? Eh???The facts we have so far:

1. Tom Wilson's YouTube comment, in answer to a question asking whether he had been contacted to reprise the role of Biff in the game:

No, not in any way. Clearly, they're shooting for an inferior product.That last sentence, although clearly sarcastic, also implies that he would have been happy to reprise the role if he had been contacted.

2. Alan Johnson has said, repeatedly, that Telltale attempted to contact Tom Wilson:

http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showpost.php?p=413172&postcount=78
http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showpost.php?p=413178&postcount=81
http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showpost.php?p=413358&postcount=96
http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showpost.php?p=415028&postcount=175

I don't think either party would have cause to lie about this situation. If Wilson was contacted and declined the role, he could have said so in his YouTube comment. If Telltale didn't contact Wilson, they could have said they didn't. So, there was either a communications breakdown, or Tom Wilson's agent/manager/representative turned down the role on Wilson's behalf without consulting with him.

[Ashki]

If it was the latter, Wilson should fire his agent since he could be missing out on other things as well.

[Edward VanHelgen]

maybe, just MAYBE, Wilson has distanced himself from the MOVIE franchise and told his agents not to disturb him about anything like BttF celebrations, reunions and such for whatever reason there might be - i don't know anything about his relationship with the franchise owners or if he just had enough about the movies like he expressed in a funny way in the Biff song.

However, maybe his agents wrongly interpreted that as not to pass him the offer for video game either, which Wilson might accept, and as we know it, he has already done a fantastic video game role as Maniac in Wing Commander 3 and 4.

[markeres]

maybe, just MAYBE, Wilson has distanced himself from the MOVIE franchise and told his agents not to disturb him about anything like BttF celebrations, reunions and such for whatever reason there might be - i don't know anything about his relationship with the franchise owners or if he just had enough about the movies like he expressed in a funny way in the Biff song.

However, maybe his agents wrongly interpreted that as not to pass him the offer for video game either, which Wilson might accept, and as we know it, he has already done a fantastic video game role as Maniac in Wing Commander 3 and 4.This is exactly what I think happened. Especially since when Telltale contacted his representatives might have been around the same time a bunch of other people were contacting them about 25th anniversary activities, and they might have just lumped all BTTF stuff together for an automatic rejection.

[Mysticales]

However, maybe his agents wrongly interpreted that as not to pass him the offer for video game either, which Wilson might accept, and as we know it, he has already done a fantastic video game role as Maniac in Wing Commander 3 and 4.

I wish Tom would do some comedy acts with his Wing Commander. I do agree his role WAS better in WC. He was a hero in many ways.

I still say BTTF should try to give him a maybe possible good role vs being the bully in every time table.

[Shadowknight1]

I think that may be part of the BTTF troubles. Tom Wilson is, apparently, a very nice guy, but in the BTTF movies, he was always portraying a jerk. He might just be trying to distance himself from something that's probably already typecast him.

[techie775]

Hey I can understand Wilson wanting to get away from Biff role as much as possible. I'm sure being typecast sucks. If he doesn't want to do it, I'm sure they can find some one else.

[SHODANFreeman]

I'd rather be typecast than not cast at all.

[PimPamPet]

Not doing the voice of Biff for the BTTF game isn't going to change anything about him being typecast.

[Ghost Rider LSOV]

I wish Tom would do some comedy acts with his Wing Commander. I do agree his role WAS better in WC. He was a hero in many ways.

Too bad his "killscore" with the ladies didn't reflect his pilot one. :D

[techie775]

Not doing the voice of Biff for the BTTF game isn't going to change anything about him being typecast.

True

[MusicallyInspired]

I, too, don't think the voice actor for Biff is very reminiscent of Tom, but I'm not going to lose sleep over it. Doc and Marty are the only ones I really care about here.

[rbachiochi]

I agree that Telltale should keep at trying to get Tom, especially if there has been a roadblock. Keep at it please, as Tom is IS AS MUCH BTTF as Michael and Christoper are to me! Biff is an essential component, and having the only guy who can play him properly would ad a huge amount of cred to this project with the fans!

[LeChuck1986]

Shame he didn't/could't reprise his role.

But there is still hope. Remember that Earl Boen did Chapter 5 and re-dubbed Chapter 1 of LeChuck in Tales of Monkey Island. So the same could happen with Tom doing all 5 in 1 go for the DVD.

[MusicallyInspired]

Speaking of which, the updated Chapter 1 of TMI still isn't available for download...

[McSuperfly101]

Maybe Telltale approached Tom for this game and he just demanded too much money?

[MusicallyInspired]

Tom said they never asked him at all, though.

[Packet]

Honestly? I pretty much remember Tom as the good-but-paranoid/conspiracy theorist cop Matt Bluestone from 'Disney's Gargoyles'. It wasn't until recently (thanks to TV Tropes) did I find out he was Biff.

Don't forget Todd 'Maniac' Marshall, either. :)

[Sp1ke]

I'm mad, but in a sad way. Both voice actors (Kid Beyond for Biff and Owen Thomas for Kid) are not even trying to sound like Tom Wilson..

Kid Tannen voice is just wrong, it's not intimidating at all....

We might never know what REALLY happened between TT, the agents and Tom Wilson... it's a shame, his last voicework was for the Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions video game (he voiced Ultimate Electro)

[markeres]

Owen Thomas for KidI didn't even realize Kid Tannen wasn't voiced by Kid Beyond. Since all of the Tannens are played by Tom Wilson in the movies, I figured Kid Beyond would play all of the Tannens in the game. Kind of a strange choice that he doesn't. :confused:

BTW, is there a complete cast list for the game anywhere, other than the end credits? They're small there because of the next episode preview and they scroll by fast, too.

[Greg2600]

Tom Wilson still does voice over work, and I'd be shocked if he simply refused to do the Biff character. Maybe they wouldn't meet his price/demands, but to not even bother to ask him is wrong.

[Shadowknight1]

Tom Wilson still does voice over work, and I'd be shocked if he simply refused to do the Biff character. Maybe they wouldn't meet his price/demands, but to not even bother to ask him is wrong.

TellTale tried to get him to do it through his agents, but either they simply said, "Mr Wilson is not doing anything related to Back to the Future," or they never passed the offer on to Tom.

[henrydalton]

Biff, in his many guises, was always my favourite character(s) of the trilogy, and Thomas F Wilson's performance was just iconic. I was just wondering if Telltale pursued the possibility of getting him back to voice Biff for the game at all, and why this wasn't possible? I can understand Michael J Fox not being able to do it, and for the smaller characters it not being worth it (eg approaching Crispin Glover!) but 1) Thomas F Wilson seems to not be doing much on the acting front, and 2) He doesn't seem to bear the series any ill-will. So would he really have been that prohibitively expensive to get back? He wouldn't have had to voice ALL the versions of Biff after all (Kid Tannen etc) - they didn't get Chris Lloyd to voice Young Doc - just present Biff (and maybe Griff if he shows up in future eps!) Just wondering if a mod from Telltale will satisfy my curiosity on this? :)

PS Loved Episode 1 and thoroughly looking forward to seeing the story and game develop!

[markeres]

The whole Tom Wilson situation is explained here (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19383) and here (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17276), and I suspect this thread will get merged into one of those shortly.

[henrydalton]

Oh thanks for that, I somehow missed that thread! *feels stoopid* :) Sorry mods!

[doggans]

The whole Tom Wilson situation is explained here (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19383) and here (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17276), and I suspect this thread will get merged into one of those shortly.

If you don't want to read through the whole threads, the short version is: Telltale says they reached out to Tom's people, but Tom says he was never contacted for the role, so the agents presumably never told him about the offer.

[henrydalton]

If you don't want to read through the whole threads, the short version is: Telltale says they reached out to Tom's people, but Tom says he was never contacted for the role, so the agents presumably never told him about the offer.


Cheers doggans - man, that's such a shame. As much as I thought Telltale nailed the atmosphere and voices of the new game (and they really did) - that was the one bit of magic that was missing for me... :(

[henrydalton]

Just wanted to add my voice to the many people who've already made the plea to Telltale to keep trying to get Thomas F Wilson! To have him at least re-voice Biff (if not every iteration like Kid Tannen etc) for future chapters (or even if it's too late for that, then the DVD release - I'd even buy the full game again if it meant having that) would make this game series perfect. Please please please make it happen Telltale!!!!!!

[Lord-z]

It is sad that Wilson is, for whatever reason, not involved. I don't know if he has just told his agent to burn anything BttF related what comes his way, this getting caught up in the 25th anniversary stuff, interviews and what-not or if the agent decided to turn it down on his behalf, but I do hope that Tom is aware that he has been offered it, and that the offer still stands, for a couple more months.

I don't think he would have snootily mentioned it being an "inferior product" without him if he was not interested in the role. Or maybe he would just like to be asked, unaware that he has been.

[Oet]

Has anyone opened this file yet?

%ProgramFiles%/Telltale Games/Back to the Future The Game/Episode 1/Pack/templates/success.html

For 64-bit users (like me):
%ProgramFiles(x86)%/Telltale Games/Back to the Future The Game/Episode 1/Pack/templates/success.html

[skeeter]

Has anyone opened this file yet?

%ProgramFiles%/Telltale Games/Back to the Future The Game/Episode 1/Pack/templates/success.html

For 64-bit users (like me):
%ProgramFiles(x86)%/Telltale Games/Back to the Future The Game/Episode 1/Pack/templates/success.html


Just tried it... :D

[Joop]

What does it say?
I don't have BTTF installed on this computer!

[prizna]

It says:

"Hi butthead!"

[Mr. Doctor. Professor]

I'm calling chicanery! There is no way Thomas Wilson would turn this down! I mean he voiced a cartoon duck cameo version of Biff Tannen on an episode of Barnyard for Pete's Sake! IF he's willing to do that I'm sure he was willing to do this! I think that there is trickery and deception going on here! It's all smoke and mirrors! Don't be fooled! We may never know the truth but The Truth is Out There! I guarantee you that!

[tarasis]

I figure the agent wasn't paying enough attention (or secretary) when it came in amongst all the other 25th anniversary stuff. Can imagine tree was a flood of requests

[SHODANFreeman]

Can imagine tree was a flood of requests

Make like a tree?

[PrivateJoker]

THought he was trying to distance himself from the role? Like he was sick of playing the bully, and being remembered as one.

My one burning question...he had a huge starring role in a run away commercial hit, why didn't he have a film career after BTTF?

[Vainamoinen]

... I think Tom owes us a "Let's play Back to the Future the Game" on Youtube. ;)

[BrakMan2005]

... I think Tom owes us a "Let's play Back to the Future the Game" on Youtube. ;)

Oh, I second that! I'd love to hear his comments on the 1st Episode...especially on Biff's voice & Kid Tannen.

[Ashki]

... I think Tom owes us a "Let's play Back to the Future the Game" on Youtube. ;)

That would make for many lulz.

[Win]

:rolleyes:The Back To The Future series is one of the greatest stories around. Don't know why but it is.. Telltale games was able to get Christopher Lloyd to do Doc and A.J. does the best job as Marty Mcfly... "Why didn't Telltale games get Tom Wilson??" The actor who played Biff Tannen?. Tom Wilsons voice is incredible...Since we are waiting for new episodes to come I don't think it would be difficult to get him to Voice over the new voice actor/Biff and slide Tom Wilsons voice right in.
Everyone loves Back To The Future, And I know everyone would love to hear Tom Wilson. Christopher Lloyd, A.J., and Tom Wilson would trully solidify this series..

"Please telltale games,".....Get Tom Wilson!!!! :)

[Carlos85G]

INB4 post is merged here: http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19383&page=12

[Ribs]

They record lines 2-3 months ahead of release, so it's impractical for Telltale to switch now. In addition, Tom's agents didn't inform him of Telltale's offer, which led to them hiring Kid Beyond in his place.

[Win]

Wow...I just read some Forums I overlooked. Sorry ...."Thats a shame that he does not wish to revise his role." Im sorry for bringing up this Forum. "Tom Wilson would have been great, and he will be missed." "Gosh I sound like he died".......

[Vainamoinen]

...incredible. It's been almost five months and Tom hasn't posted anything on his blog (http://tomwilsonusa.blogspot.com/) since October 28, 2010. Is he that shamed by how the whole BTTF thing went?? ;)

[Kolzig]

It is a huge shame, that things went the way they did.

It would have been great to have Tom Wilson there, as Kid Beyond just doesn't really have what it takes to nail it at least from what I heard while playing eps 1 & 2.

[Tiranno]

Yeah, whenever I hear Kid or Biff I really don't believe it's them.

[PrivateJoker]

I was under the impression that Wilson doesn't like being associated with this role. (probably because its the role he will be remembered for the most, and he played a mean character).

[doggans]

...incredible. It's been almost five months and Tom hasn't posted anything on his blog (http://tomwilsonusa.blogspot.com/) since October 28, 2010. Is he that shamed by how the whole BTTF thing went?? ;)

Or, like most bloggers, he's too distracted by Twitter (http://twitter.com/TomWilsonUSA) to write a longer post. :P

[lombre]

So, I was playing through Citizen Brown, and at the part where Biff has Marty in a headlock, a particular line from Edna caught my attention.

"Oh dear, Mr. Wilson, you have been a naughty boy."

[Vainamoinen]

Tom Wilson just killed his blog. :(

http://tomwilsonusa.blogspot.com/

[Laserschwert]

It's not like he doesn't have enough other means of communication...

http://www.tomwilsonusa.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Wilson-Comedy/6234848150
http://www.youtube.com/user/TomWilsonUSA
http://twitter.com/#!/TomWilsonUSA