In fact, Columbus has gone on to note that one of his stars (Heard) even apologized for his earlier behavior on camera during the filming of Home Al one 2: Lost in New York. Some were difficult to get along with and copped attitudes, as they felt that the end result would be beneath their acting skills. Reports suggest that several of the actors had projected the film’s failure, and therefore over-acted intentionally, feeling that the entire production would quickly be forgotten. Beloved by moviegoers and his fellow castmates, in 2014 O’Hara let it be known that to this day her co-star still refers to her as “Mom.”ĭespite this heartwarming fact, Home Al one was not one big, happy family behind the scenes. Thankfully, after a series of failed auditions and the director meeting with the child star, he was charmed and the lovable little actor was in. Reportedly John Hughes w as set on the 9-year-old Culkin for the role, and had written the film with the Uncle Buck star in mind, but Columbus had to be convinced. Clearly the most important role, however, would be that of the little blonde firecracker, Kevin McC allister. In fact, these lists encompass nearly every actor of note in the late ‘80s. His sidekick Marv? Actors such as Michael Richards, Jeremy Irons, and Christopher Lloyd have been mentioned as possibilities at one time or another. The list of those considered for the role of Harry is also never-ending, containing such names as Robert De Niro, Jon Lovitz, Tommy Lee Jones, John Stamos, and Dudley Moore. Everyone from Jeff Goldblum to Tom Hanks, Robin Williams to Christopher Reeve, John Travolta to Arnold Schwarzenegger was reportedly considered for the role of Peter McCallister, while some suggest that the likes of River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves were considered for the role of Kevin’s brutish brother Buzz. Doubtfire, and even the first two Harry Potter films.Īs with many films that succeed commercially and alter the course of pop culture, the list of actors who were supposedly considered for the varying roles is nearly endless. The rest is history, with Columbus going on to direct Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, as well as Mrs. Thankfully, Hughes, the screenwriter of Christmas Vacation, offered the director a ‘consolation prize,’ if you will. His biggest break as a director could have been when he was enlisted to helm 1989’s National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, but a massive personality conflict with lead actor Chevy Chase led Columbus to walk away from the project. Though he had sold Steven Spielberg the screenplays for two hugely popular films, 1984’s Gremlins and 1985’s The Goonies, his own career in directing was still fighting an upward trajectory after the releases of 1987’s A dventures in Babysitting and 1988’s Heartbreak Hotel. For director Columbus, the film w as pivotal. Actors such as John Heard ( Big 1988, Awakenings 1990 ), Catherine O’Hara ( Best in Show 2000, Frankenweenie 2012 ), John Candy ( Planes, Trains and Automobiles 1987, Spaceballs 1987 ), Roberts Blossom ( Close Encounters of the Third Kind 1977, Escape from Alcatraz 1979 ), and more, joined forces to bring this tale of seasonally appropriate mayhem to life. Doubtfire 1993, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone 2001 ), the Family Comedy featured a splendid cast. Though m any audience goers then and now have questioned the believability of the film’s quirky premise, it still managed to gross $476.7 million-$17 million in its opening weekend alone-garnering Golden Globe and A cademy A ward nominations, and earning the title of the highest-grossing live-action Comedy ever-a n impressive record that lasted for 21 years until, in 2011, The Hangover Part II took home the gold (and a tiger). And it certainly reminded parents to pay a lot more attention the next time they left the house with their kids. But you know the story, right? Initially released on Nov 10th in Chicago, Home Alone taught us all about the power and ingenuity of eight year-olds hellbent on protecting themselves and their homes. If that’s not bad enough, a pair of bumbling burglars-The Wet Bandits, Harry (Joe Pesci: Raging Bull 1980, Goodfellas 1990 ) and Marv (Daniel Stern: The Wonder Years series, City Slickers 1991 )-are lurking on the streets of the McCallister family’s posh neighborhood looking for a score. Written and produced by John Hughes ( The Breakfast Club 1985, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles 1987 ), the titan of the ‘80s Teen flick, Home Alone tells the story of Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin: My Girl 1991, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York 1992 ), an eight year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family flies to Paris for the holidays.
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