• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Home Alone was almost never made after huge production issue

Home> News> US News

Published 16:14 26 Dec 2023 GMT

Home Alone was almost never made after huge production issue

The Christmas favorite Home Alone was in danger of never being made

Chelsea Connor

Chelsea Connor

When we think of Christmas films, one of the absolute classics that come to mind is Home Alone.

The 1990 festive film is known worldwide, with everyone doing the ‘Macauley Culkin shocked face’ every time its mentioned.

And of course, it’s one of the biggest films synonymous with this time of year.

Advert

So, it’s hard to imagine that the film was very close to not actually being filmed, and was nearly canned at pre-production.

The surprisingly feel-good film follows Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) who is accidentally left at home as his family fly away for a Christmas vacation.

He really must not be the family favourite, as the film has two other sequels, where they forget him... again.

Advert

Anyway, as he’s left alone, two hap-hazard burglars enter the house and find themselves at the mercy of home-made boobie traps.

It’s a great film that everyone seems to enjoy and can quote at least one line from.

But believe it or not, Home Alone almost wasn't even a thing.

Warner Bros.

Advert

As recounted in the documentary The Movies That Made Us: Home Alone, when scriptwriter John Hughes took his creation to Warner Bros production office, they said they could make the film for $10 million and expected a half decent revenue return.

But as the film was being tallied up, it turned out that the film would actually take $14 million to make, and upon learning this, Warner Bros shut it down.

In a flurry of emotions, the cast and crew were told within the same morning that production had been closed and they had lost their jobs.

Thankfully though, they were later told that 20th Century Fox had picked up the film and we’re willing to take it all the way.

Advert

What a morning.

The team then set to work to find just the right location for each scene, working 'around the clock' to find the iconic brick house 'that came to represent a specific kind of upper-middle-class American life for the next decade', according to Hughes.

Warner Bros.

Macauley Culkin was apparently pre-selected for the part of Kevin, in the role that would make him a household name.

Advert

He was selected after casting directors spotted his performance alongside John Candy in Uncle Buck and knew he was the right fit for the part.

The movie ended up grossing $285 million at the box office - a net gross that has only been made by two other films, E.T and Star Wars.

The movie played for 12 weeks through the holiday season, solidifying its place as one of the greatest Christmas films of all time.

Featured Image Credit: Warner Bros.

Topics: Film and TV, Christmas, Macaulay Culkin

Chelsea Connor
Chelsea Connor

Chelsea is a Journalist for UNILAD. Before this she worked as a Journalist and Comedy Writer for seven years, working for companies such as Newsquest, NationalWorld and Samahoma Productions. She became a qualified journalist back in 2017, completing a NCTJ at Liverpool City College.

X

@theccjourno

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

9 hours ago
10 hours ago
  • 9 hours ago

    Someone who invested $7,793 into Bitcoin 14 years ago and only just accessed it is now worth a staggering amount

    After 14 years of lying dormant, two bitcoin wallets holding 10,000 bitcoin each were activated this week

    News
  • 9 hours ago

    Elon Musk reveals 'two-part plan' to take control of US Congress with 'America Party'

    The Tesla boss has a new idea to shake up politics in the US

    News
  • 10 hours ago

    Expert issues urgent warning for anyone thinking about travelling whilst on Ozempic or Mounjaro

    Those on Ozempic or Mounjaro may face problems abroad if they don't declare it

    News
  • 10 hours ago

    YouTuber Nikocado Avocado shares shocking results of plastic surgery after 250lb weight loss

    Nikocado explained that following his weight loss, he sought the help of a plastic surgeon

    News
  • Macaulay Culkin earned extra $18,000,000 after inserting special clause in to his Home Alone contract
  • Macaulay Culkin reveals he still has scar from injury caused by Joe Pesci 'trying to scare him' on Home Alone set
  • Home Alone star reveals the one 'horrific' line she struggled to say in scene with Macaulay Culkin
  • Home Alone fans are pointing out glaring mistake in iconic scene