Director Chris Columbus revealed in a recent interview with Vanity Fair how an unsettling experience with actor Chevy Chase ultimately propelled him to direct 1990 Christmas classic Home Alone. Columbus was initially signed on to direct 1989’s Christmas Vacation starring Chevy Chase written by John Hughes before first ever meetings with Chevy Chase took place.
Chaotic Meetings with Chevy Chase Prompts Columbus to Leave 'Christmas Vacation' Project
Chris Columbus said to Vanity Fair upon meeting with Chevy Chase that he simply "couldn't work with the guy" even though Chris Columbus "desperately needed to make a film". After several disconcerting discussions Columbus spoke with John Hughes indicating that working with Chevy was untenable as Chris felt "treated like shit" during discussions which caused significant negative feelings for production process before the beginning of primary filming. Despite production staff filming second unit footage and all store shots in Chicago during that December meeting Chris left the project due to interpersonal issues with Chevy Chase which caused him to have to seek a new project from his working partner John Hughes.
Baffling Behavior During Meetings With Chevy Chase Forces Director Chris Columbus To Step Down
Chris Columbus recounts the bizarre first meeting with Chevy Chase where despite speaking for half an hour to detail the planned film concept and vision Chase offered no comments only after approximately 40 minutes of dialogue Chase asked the most bizarre questions that stunned even veteran film producer Chris Columbus. Chase questioned “Wait a second. You're the director” while then suggesting Chris “looked more like a drummer.” The nonsensical communication and surreal conversation further discouraged Chris from moving forward on Christmas Vacation despite it being the first experience they have worked together during first meeting.
Dinner with Chase and Hughes Does not Improve Director Columbus Negative Outlook on The Film
Columbus described a dinner with both Chevy Chase and John Hughes with most conversation was between the two of them while Chris was ignored and it focused not on Christmas Vacation during the scheduled meeting. Columbus noted during a Variety interview that Chase “wasn't engaged” while Columbus was essentially “nonexistent” during what was intended to be work discussion among the three. Columbus reached a conclusion that there would not be an amicable working relationship due to this experience further solidifying that a work connection would be a serious obstacle in the process of creative output that forced the decision of the project.
'Home Alone' Script Provides New Creative Direction for Columbus Following "Christmas Vacation" Exit
After ending his commitment to Christmas Vacation Chris Columbus contacted John Hughes after their dinner encounter which resulted with an understanding conclusion with a mutual departure from the problematic project. Soon following Chris received another screenplay that came from John which would then turn out to be Home Alone a project he deemed "even more personal and a better script". Chris had already worked together in collaboration with the writer on Gremlins from 1984 plus The Goonies 1985 showing positive history. Chris felt that Home Alone allowed him a greater range for individual creativity and to avoid a bad working environment with a difficult actor in contrast with what occurred at Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase.
Jeremiah S Chechik steps In to Direct "Christmas Vacation" after Director Chris Columbus Quits
Following Columbus’ decision to step down director Jeremiah S. Chechik assumed responsibility for the directorial role of Christmas Vacation which released in 1989 as the third movie within the National Lampoon’s Vacation series starring Chevy Chase. Chris Columbus ended all professional contracts for the movie before any actual filming for the movie had occurred other than simple second unit filming. The movie featured Chase alongside Beverly D’Angelo as primary leads within National Lampoon franchise who have both worked in past movies. Variety had reached out to Chase for comment however none was ever received after the incident had come to public awareness.
Chris Columbus: Successful Films and a Focus On the Next Generation of Filmmakers
Chris Columbus's career spans numerous classic films beyond Home Alone including directing Home Alone 2 Lost in New York from 1992 Mrs Doubtfire in 1993 as well as two Harry Potter films Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone in 2001 along with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets released in 2002. Chris also wrote Gremlins released in 1984 along with The Goonies 1985 showing great production diversity over long career. The Hollywood Reporter featured Columbus in their Awards Chatter podcast to discuss film history. Chris revealed his focus on film production that often highlights new artists while in recent years has also backed and produced the film “Nosferatu” directed by Robert Eggers which featured Lily-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult released on Christmas Day.
Working For Spielberg Early On Plus "Home Alone" Success in Hollywood
Columbus recalled his earlier career while working with Steven Spielberg which he achieved early in his mid-twenties while coming from blue collar origins in Ohio. Columbus had very turbulent experience after being offered to direct Christmas Vacation. The financial success of Home Alone propelled Columbus with it's highest-grossing comedic film title into major directorial prominence despite early career challenges. Chris had to eventually convince Warner Bros as well as J.K. Rowling that his directing expertise was essential for the Harry Potter series based on his past productions.
Transition to Production and Mentoring New Talent for the Next Generation of Films
Following Chris's directing experiences after the first two Harry Potter projects Columbus started shifting focus towards film production where he decided to mentor new film talent. Chris is dedicated to supporting filmmakers like Robert Eggers. Chris acted as a producer on Eggers early productions which included “The Witch” released in 2015 and "The Lighthouse” which was released in 2019 also showing he can adapt to unique and different story telling that can be quite shocking for general audiences. Eleanor Columbus his daughter worked with Chris at their company Maiden Voyage Productions an organization created to grow upcoming talent showing commitment towards development in entertainment fields.