IT JUST wouldn’t be Christmas without seeing Macauley Culkin and his famous on-screen family in the classic movie Home Alone.
But it’s now emerged the almost had a VERY different all-star cast, with some huge actors in the the running to star in it.
Kevin McCallister was played by Macaulay Culkin in 1990 – but the rest of the cast could’ve been differentCredit: Alamy
Schitt’s Creek star Catherine O’Hara played Kevin’s mum, but the role could’ve gone to another Hollywood starCredit: Alamy
Casting notes said Joe Pesci (left) refused to audition and the role almost went to someone elseCredit: Alamy
The late John Heard’s character of Kevin’s dad Peter was also almost played by someone elseCredit: Alamy
In the hit 1990 movie takes the lead as the cheeky eight-year-old Kevin McCallister, who finds himself left at home by himself at Christmas.
, which is watched by millions each year at sees him get accidentally left behind when his family jets off to for the holidays.
While at first he loves the idea of “making his family disappear”, Kevin soon finds his home is set to be targeted by two burglars.
The youngster then takes on the criminal duo, with hilarious consequences.
As fans rush to rewatch the Christmas classic this year, they may be surprised to hear that the movie could have looked very different.
Along with Macaulay, the included as Kevin’s mum Kate, as well as the as his dad, Peter,
The two robbers were also Harry and Marv, famously .
CASTING NOTES
But unearthed casting notes revealed by a film archivist show a surprising shortlist of other stars who were also up for the roles.
The notes are preserved in the Margaret Herrick Library, which is the research archive of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Film archivist Louise Hilton revealed how a number of big named actors could have also appeared in the movie.
She told her followers: “Can you imagine if or Susan Sarandon had played Kate in Home Alone?”
Other shortlisted actors for the role of Kevin’s mum included Gwyneth Paltrow’s actress mother Blythe Danner and Joanna Cassidy.
The notes reveal that actress Candice Bergen, whose appeared in Sex and the City and Miss Congeniality, was also considered for the part.
Though it is revealed that like , she wasn’t available to film at that time.
Meanwhile the casting notes also revealed that Golden Globe winner Sam Waterston (of The Great Gatsby and Law and Order fame), Danny Aiello and David Dukes were in the running for the role of Kevin’s father.
Susan Sarandon was also up for the role of KateCredit: Getty
The late Kirstie Alley was up for the role of Kevin’s mum but had a conflicting scheduleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Another key role that could have gone to another star is the role of Old Man Marley – Kevin’s elderly neighbour who he is scared of at first.
Helen revealed: “For the older neighbour who saves the day they were considering James ‘Jimmy’ Stewart.
“His agent was interested and he was available, but they ended up going with Roberts Blossom.”
Nevertheless, Jimmy Stewart had already had his own taste of Christmas film fame with 1946’s It’s a Wonderful Life, where he played the one and only George Bailey.
Another key casting note which was revealed by Helen, saw production discussing who should play robbers, Harry and Marv, though it’s hard to imagine Home Alone without Joe Pesci now.
They read: “We can go with an older Harry and younger Marv as written, but Tim Curry and Dan Stern make an exciting pair.”
The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Annie actor’s snub wasn’t game over though as Tim Curry actually went on to star in the next Home Alone film.
Other choices for the role of Harry included Goonies actor Joe Pantoliano and Romancing the Stone’s Zack Norman.
Helen went onto reveal that they were considering other options as Joe Pesci, who ended up playing Harry, “refused to audition”, with the casting notes even saying: “We don’t think he’ll do it.”
Tim Curry was up for the role of the younger robber, MarvCredit: Getty
Meanwhile, Joe Pesci starred as robber Harry, who got the run around from Macauley’s Kevin in the fun film.Credit: Alamy
LIFE CHANGING ROLE
One person who was always going to get the lead role in Home Alone was child star, .
The movie was written by the late John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus.
John, who also produced the film, was instrumental in getting Macaulay cast in Home Alone.
This was because he was so impressed with the young star’s performance in his 1989 film Uncle Buck, that he specifically recommended him to director Chris.
Macaulay impressed film fans so much in Home Alone, that a , was released the following year.
WATCH THE FILMS
Those who have a Disney+ subscription can stream it whenever they want as it is available on the site.
You can also watch the sequel on there, and the that have since been released but don’t star Macaulay.
The first film will air at 5:30pm on Christmas Eve, with being screened on Christmas Day at 5:25pm – both on Channel 4.
The UK's highest-grossing Christmas movies of all time
1. The Grinch (2018) – £424,000,000
2. Home Alone (1990) – £376,000,000
3. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) – £283,000,000
4. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (2000) – £273,000,000
5. A Christmas Carol (2009) – £256,000,000
6. The Polar Express (2004) – £250,000,000
7. Elf (2003) – £180,000,000
8. The Holiday (2006) – £162,000,000
9. The Santa Clause (1994) – £150,000,000
10. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018) – £137,000,000
Figures accurate as of November 2024
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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