Harrison Ford Shades Michael J. Fox’s ‘Shrinking’ Comeback
Hold onto your vintage fedoras, cinephiles: Harrison Ford has finally broken radio silence to weigh in on Michael J. Fox’s grand re-emergence in Apple TV+’s Shrinking, marking Fox’s first scripted role since 2018. Don’t expect a standing ovation, though. Ford, speaking to Entertainment Weekly at the Empire State Building premiere of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, delivered a classic half-smile and deadpan line that had reporters doing double takes: “It’s great to see Marty McFly back in action—guess he finally kicked that time-travel habit.” Sarcasm or sincere admiration? Your call.
Fox’s return has been framed as a triumphant rebound after a five-year acting hiatus to manage Parkinson’s symptoms, but Ford’s quip subtly reminded everyone that Hollywood loves a comeback story—just not at the expense of our nostalgia muscles. Variety confirms Ford acknowledged the challenges of stepping back into the spotlight, noting that “the old magic still works, but it comes with wrinkles.” Fans hoping for an emotional blessing from the Star Wars superstar might’ve been left wanting, but Ford did concede there’s “something endearing about watching a pro tackle new terrain.”
Shrinking, created by Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein (per People Magazine), pairs Jason Segel’s unfiltered therapist with Fox as a cantankerous psychiatrist who “talks down to patients more than he actually helps them,” according to early reviews. Segel’s lead performance reportedly steals scenes, but Fox’s presence offers a comforting jolt of veteran gravitas—like Hollywood crackling with static guilt over lost legends. Production insiders tell The Hollywood Reporter that Fox demanded only brief shoot days and a small town-house theater to rehearse, a detail Ford slyly referenced: “He’s pacing himself. Good players know their limits.”
Of course, critics are already lining up to eulogize Fox’s legacy or pin the reboot as desperate nostalgia bait—and Ford’s curmudgeonly shrug feels tailor-made for that storyline. He praised Shrinking’s sharp writing but reminded everyone that “not every reboot deserves a roll of the credits.” In other words: don’t expect an Oscar on first airing. Apple TV+ dropped the first two episodes on March 24, with weekly installments following. Early audience scores sit around 75 percent—respectable, but not legendary.
In true Sarcastic Cynic style, let’s cut through Hollywood’s promotional haze: Ford’s reaction was less “rah-rah” reunion and more “okay, that’s your move.” No sugarcoating, no hype balloon—just a seasoned star giving Fox a nod without breaking a sweat. And that’s today’s dose of reality. You’re welcome.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
