Home Alone and Home Alone 2 Lost in New York director Chris Columbus almost directed another Christmas classic initially accepting the director role for National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation however a “bizarre” meeting with Chevy Chase caused Columbus to depart. Columbus recently spoke on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast detailing his directing path including his new film Nosferatu that is releasing on Christmas Day while recalling previous movie experiences. Columbus' recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter also gave information and perspective from his 30 plus year career.
'Christmas Vacation' Director Swap: Chevy Chase's Unusual Behavior Prompts Columbus' Exit From Production
Director John Hughes gave Columbus the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation script and planned for Columbus to direct and produce movie with him. Columbus also was experiencing some professional concerns so enthusiastically accepted gig starting shooting second unit scenes over Christmas and making a big professional change. A meeting with Chevy Chase though quickly took a strange turn where Columbus states he found Chase uninterested. During conversation Chase surprisingly questioned if Columbus was even director thinking he was "a drummer".
After this “surreal” meeting Columbus told Hughes of the experience which prompted a dinner where things were supposedly even worse and during the meal Chase seemed to completely ignore Columbus directly changing the subject when movie elements would be brought up. Columbus then felt forced to leave the production for Christmas Vacation even despite the risk of not having any other directing opportunities which felt like a huge professional choice. Chevy Chase caused major issues that would forever alter course for Columbus when directing major movies at that time during his career and this initial movie almost set him back further professionally as well.
John Hughes' Christmas Magic: Home Alone Script Reaches Columbus' Hands After Christmas Vacation Departure
Within a week after the unpleasant experience John Hughes provided another Christmas film script which would then be titled Home Alone for Columbus who would be the producer and this turned out to be an amazing move and great fit. This major project also highlighted John Hughes ability to provide high-quality material for people while building on past connections. Columbus called dodging a bullet after his unexpected turn of events regarding his exit from Christmas Vacation which allowed the Home Alone franchise to see the light of day. John Hughes then went into full support when it came to using Macaulay Culkin for film’s lead which the director Christopher Columbus did not initially approve.
Macaulay Culkin's 'Magical' Casting Amid 300 Auditionees: Overcoming Doubts for the Perfect Kevin
John Hughes encouraged Columbus to meet Macaulay Culkin as first choice for Home Alone's main role with Columbus skeptical of casting at first . Columbus then decided to explore the idea with meeting over 300 additional child actors to make a responsible professional decision which was noted to be ultimately a massive waste of time. Upon a second viewing Columbus knew that Macaulay Culkin was a perfect fit and casting for lead role of Kevin. Columbus noted this was another excellent move by Hughes the producer who brought many talented actors to different movies throughout his production experience.
director Chris Columbus recalled that Chris Farley actually auditioned for Santa role that ended in the statement, "Well, not this time”. Director Columbus got to know Chris Farley much later and both recalled the unique nature of that specific audition. Chris Farley just arrived at audition and still appeared "not in good shape" due to all night prior engagements highlighting his unique style and personality. Chris Farley was early in his career at that time having previously worked on Saturday Night Live.
Unveiling the McCallisters' Careers: Fashion Design and Possibly Advertising Provides Income Information for fans
Columbus shed light onto the most pressing question posed by the fans and critics as well concerning parents income streams to live in their large Chicago residence. John Hughes and Columbus had previously decided Kate McCallister played by Catherine O'Hara would work as "successful fashion designer" based upon the presence of mannequins in the basement. Columbus could not exactly pinpoint the specifics for Peter McCallister’s occupation but suggested he may work in “advertising” similar to John Hughes' previous experiences working before show business . Columbus did however confirm McCallisters' wealth did not come from any type of criminal activity which was always a fan favorite theory concerning the movie franchise and the McCallisters. This fan theory assumed Harry and Marv might be targeting for possible organized crime affiliations.
'Home Alone's' Winnetka Mansion: A Real Estate Icon at $5.25 Million Valuation Sparks Fan Curiosity
The actual house featured in the 1990 movie from Winnetka Illinois gained notoriety and has continued to cause many discussions about its affordability selling very recently for $5.25 million . Joe Pesci portrayed the character Harry one of the Wet Bandits originally stating he "worked this street" just to steal at the massive home showcasing fan connection to its location. The New York Times and The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago also contributed opinion over the income of the Mcallisters and job paths that may bring about those types of incomes for such a large property within the Chicago Metropolitan area.
Macaulay Culkin Considered Turning Home Alone House Into Movie Fan Attraction for Fans and Enthusiasts
Macaulay Culkin the famous actor for his role in the series revealed he contemplated buying the property for “giggles” during a past discussion with several news outlets. Macaulay Culkin's desire was to convert home into "movie fun house" for all fans. His movie house vision was to give others a place to re-enact the famous sledding scene down the stairs with a highly interactive type of activity. Ultimately, his decision not to buy is based on current obligations citing parental and professional responsibilities saying, “I got kids. I'm busy man," demonstrating real-life responsibility even given such a popular series in media with many nostalgic views and values.
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