The Surprising Actors Who Almost Starred in 'Home Alone'
Would Home Alone have reached classic Christmas movie status if different actors had been cast in the leading roles?
The Academy Museum shared an official video last week featuring librarian Louise Hilton, who takes viewers through the movie’s special collections from when the film was in development. In the video, Louise reveals several fascinating details about actors who were almost cast in major roles.
Keep reading to find out more…
Kirstie Alley, Susan Sarandon, and Joanna Cassidy were all considered for Kevin’s (Macaulay Culkin) mom, Kate—a role that ultimately went to Catherine O’Hara—while Sam Waterston and David Dukes were potential picks to play his dad, Peter. John Heard would eventually land the role.
Kevin’s neighbor, “Old Man” Marley, was played by Robert Blossom, but at one point Jimmy Stewart was interested in the part and even available. Ultimately, Robert was chosen.
@academymuseum In honor of Home Alone screening at the Academy Museum today, Archivist Louise shares casting notes that reveal which Hollywood icon almost appeared in the film ???? from the Academy Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library. #academymuseum #filmscreening #homealone #casting #filmhistory ♬ Christmas Is Coming – DM Production
Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern famously played the two thieves, Harry and Marv, though there was skepticism early on about Joe taking the role.
“‘We can go with an older Harry and younger Marv as written, but Tim Curry and Dan Stern make an exciting pair.’ They’re considering Joe Pesci, but he was ‘offer only,’ so he wouldn’t audition, and that ‘We don’t think he’ll do it,’ but of course he does,” Louise read from a memo.
While Tim didn’t end up appearing in the first film, he later played the concierge in Home Alone 2.
Macaulay has an idea for a possible third movie where he’d return as an adult Kevin!