"Home Alone" is a holiday classic that has raised many questions over the years. One burning question has always been about the McCallister family's wealth. How could they afford a mansion in Chicago and a trip to Paris for 15 people?
In a recent interview on The Hollywood Reporter's "Awards Chatter" podcast, director Chris Columbus finally answered it. "Back then, John and I had a conversation about it," Columbus said. "We decided the mother was a successful fashion designer. The father could have worked in advertising, but I don’t remember exactly what he did."
Columbus also addressed the popular theory that the father was involved in organized crime. "Even though there was a lot of organized crime in Chicago, the father was definitely not involved," he explained.
The film centers on a large family who accidentally leaves their youngest son, Kevin (Macaulay Culkin), behind when they leave for Paris. Kevin, alone at home, must defend against burglars played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.
While "Home Alone" made Culkin a household name, Columbus wasn’t initially convinced he was the right fit for the lead. "I wasn’t sold on casting him at first," Columbus admitted. "But eventually, I realized he was obviously the right kid."
Columbus shared how he had to check his ego as a director. "John Hughes suggested I meet Macaulay. I said, ‘I’d like to meet everyone else too.’ I met 300 kids, and it was a colossal waste of time."
After meeting Culkin again, Columbus felt the magic. "It was magical," he said, and he knew Culkin was the one.
Culkin would go on to star in the film's sequel, "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," and other 90s hits like "My Girl," "Richie Rich," and "The Pagemaster."