Although Christmas is still a few months away and the festive spirit of Christmas in July has recently concluded, we simply cannot overlook any opportunity for Macaulay Culkin to discuss his iconic role in Home Alone. For many fans, watching the first two installments of this beloved franchise is a time-honored tradition during the holiday season. Interestingly, Culkin has revealed his personal favorite Home Alone film, and it turns out his preference is rooted in financial benefits.
Recently, Culkin made an appearance on the popular YouTube series Hot Ones. During a segment known as the Last Dab, host Sean Evans posed a question about what sets Home Alone 2 apart as a superior film. Culkin candidly replied, “I got paid more…I think I own 5 percent of the net, and also 15 percent of the merchandising. So if you buy a Talkboy, I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’ll take 15 percent of that, thank you very much!’ By the way, buy a Talkboy for Christmas!” This humorous take not only highlights his financial stake but also showcases his enduring connection to the franchise.
In the original Home Alone, Culkin’s character, Kevin McCallister, cleverly utilizes the Tiger’s Talkboy to reserve a hotel room, outsmart Rob Schneider’s character, and navigate his adventurous solo journey in New York City. Throughout his escapades, Kevin employs a series of clever tricks that almost lead to the demise of his bumbling adversaries, Harry and Marv. The ingenuity of his schemes has become a hallmark of the series, delighting audiences of all ages.
While the original Home Alone is undeniably a classic and often considered one of the top five Christmas movies of all time, there’s a compelling case to be made for the sequel, Lost in New York. In fact, we even produced a video dedicated to making that very argument. Regardless of whether you lean towards the original or the sequel, there are universal truths we can all agree on: first, every sequel lacking Culkin is a disappointment; and second, it’s incredibly impressive that Culkin remains so engaged in conversations about the films. He even took the movie on tour last year, sharing captivating behind-the-scenes anecdotes that would surely amuse his wife, Brenda Song.
Collectively, the first two Home Alone films have achieved remarkable success, grossing over $835 million globally. They secured the #3 and #2 positions on their respective year-end domestic box office charts. Remarkably, the original remains one of the highest-grossing Christmas movies in cinematic history, solidifying its place in the hearts of fans around the world.
Which Home Alone movie holds a special place in your heart? What is your favorite booby trap that Kevin McCallister devised? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section below, ya filthy animal!
