Think you know everything about Home Alone? You might want to reconsider. Macauley Culkin recently debunked a long-standing rumor that fans have been pondering for years.
The cherished 1990 Christmas movie portrays young Kevin McCallister as he protects his home from burglars after his family inadvertently leaves him behind during their vacation.
Culkin also reprised his role in the 1992 sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
The comical criminals in Home Alone are portrayed by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. Pesci takes on the role of Harry Lime, the hot-headed ringleader, while Stern plays Marv Murchins, his foolish accomplice. Over the years, they have formed a classic duo, epitomizing slapstick villainy – it’s hard to imagine Christmas without them.
In a recent interview, the former child actor discussed a significant behind-the-scenes detail from one of the film’s memorable scenes, adding another layer of appreciation for the movie.
Although Culkin denied ad-libbing the line, ‘You guys give up? Or are you thirsty for more?’ he did reveal his contribution to another line.
He mentioned: “When I was at the grocery store, it’s like: ‘Where are your parents? Why won’t you tell me?’ and I said: ‘Because you’re a stranger.’ That one was mine, I did a lot of that kind of stuff.”
One of the movie’s most discussed rumors revolves around the scene where Kevin comes across a picture of his older brother’s girlfriend and responds in a now-famous manner.
He quips: “Buzz, your girlfriend: woof!”
For many years, fans speculated that the photo was not of a girl, but rather a crew member’s son dressed up. Now, the actor has confirmed this theory.
Culkin joined Hot Ones host Sean Evans for a discussion on Home Alone while sampling hot wings, during which the notorious moment was brought up.
The host inquired: “Is it true that the picture of Buzz’s girlfriend is actually a boy in makeup because [director] Chris Columbus thought it would be too cruel to rip on a little girl that way?”
Confirming the rumor, Culkin explained: “As far as I know, yes, I mean, you’d have to ask [director] Chris [Columbus], but that’s what I was told. Apparently, that was the gag.”
Regarding the film’s director, Columbus previously shared insights on how the McCallisters could afford a lavish 10-bedroom mansion with six bathrooms.
On an episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Columbus disclosed the backstory behind the McCallisters.
Columbus revealed that he and writer-producer John Hughes discussed the McCallisters’ backstory and together decided on their professions.
If you noticed the mannequins in the basement of the house, this hints at Kate McCallister’s (Catherine O’Hara) occupation.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Columbus confirmed: “[She] was a very successful fashion designer.”
And Peter McCallister? (John Heard) His occupation is less defined.
Speculation online has suggested that Peter McCallister might be involved with the mob, explaining why Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) targeted the house.
However, Columbus clarified that Peter was not connected to any ‘organized crime.’
“Even though there was, at the time, a lot of organized crime in Chicago,” he added.