HOME ALONE Casting Notes Show Who Almost Starred in It

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It’s wild to think about how different our favorite movies could have been with different actors! I recently saw a TikTok from the Academy Museum – Deadline shared it – that revealed some surprising names considered for the original Home Alone. Apparently, director Chris Columbus and the producers were looking at some really big stars back in 1990, and honestly, I was shocked to learn who they almost cast. It’s amazing to think Jodie Foster could have been Princess Leia, or that Sam Raimi considered Jake Gyllenhaal for Spider-Man – it just shows how much could have changed!

@academymuseum

To celebrate today’s screening of Home Alone at the Academy Museum, archivist Louise is sharing fascinating casting notes! These notes, from the Academy Collection at the Margaret Herrick Library, reveal a surprising Hollywood star who was almost in the movie. 😱 #academymuseum #filmscreening #homealone #casting #filmhistory

♬ Christmas Is Coming – DM Production

When casting the role of Kevin’s mother, Kate McAllister, in Home Alone, producers considered several well-known actresses before Catherine O’Hara. Kirstie Alley, popular for her roles in Cheers and Look Who’s Talking, was a top choice, as was Candice Bergen, the star of Murphy Brown. Susan Sarandon was also considered, but she was likely busy filming Thelma & Louise at the time. Interestingly, Tim Curry, famous for Rocky Horror and as Pennywise, was also a contender for the role Joe Pesci eventually made iconic.

One surprising name considered for Home Alone was Jimmy Stewart, who was already famous for the Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life. He was thought of for the role of the kind elderly neighbor who helps Kevin at the end. While his agent expressed interest, Robert Blossom ultimately got the part, likely because Stewart would have been too expensive. It makes you wonder how different Home Alone might have been with a different cast, and it’s fascinating to consider how close things came to being different.

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2025-12-16 03:03