20 things you probably didn't know about 'Home Alone'

Marilyn La Jeunesse,Fiona ClairDec 12, 2020, 19:55 IST

"Home Alone" is a Christmas classic.Fox

It's been 30 years since "Home Alone" came out, but the film is still widely beloved, especially around the holidays.
Fans may not know that Macaulay Culkin improvised one of the film's most iconic moments.
The cast almost looked a little different, and Culkin's brother also made a guest appearance.
The over-the-top stunts in "Home Alone" were really performed by the lead actors' stunt doubles.

The holidays wouldn't be the same without the "Home Alone" franchise.

There are very few people who can resist the shenanigans of a young Macaulay Culkin as he finds himself left behind to defend the house while his family heads to Paris for Christmas break.

There's so much to love about this holiday film, but there's also plenty of things fans might not know about it.

Read on for some interesting facts you may not know about "Home Alone."

It took weeks to find the right house for the film.

John Hughes called the winning house "perfect." Fox

Warner Brothers initially had the rights for the screenplay.

Production for the film was stalled at one point. Fox

Culkin and his on-screen mom shared a sweet moment years later.

Catherine O'Hara played the mother in "Home Alone." Fox

The film held a cinematic record for nearly 30 years.

There's no denying people loved "Home Alone." Fox

Culkin's younger brother appeared in the movie.

Kieran Culkin played his brother's on-screen cousin. Fox

The film was written in just over a week.

John Hughes was able to write the screenplay incredibly fast. FOX

Culkin has said he has trouble watching the film.

Macaulay Culkin said he doesn't watch the film very often. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Columbus was supposed to direct a different Hughes-written Christmas classic.

Chris Columbus had said he didn't want to work with Chevy Chase on "Christmas Vacation." Slaven Vlasic/Getty

John Candy improvised most of his scenes in "Home Alone."

John Candy played Gus Polinski in "Home Alone." Fox

Hughes was particular about his script, but Columbus added one of the film's most touching moments.

Chris Columbus added the ending scene with Old Man Marley. Fox

Robert De Niro was considered for the role of Harry.

Robert De Niro could've had Joe Pesci's iconic role. Toby Melville/Reuters; Fox

Culkin improvised one of the most iconic "Home Alone" moments.

Macaulay Culkin in "Home Alone." Fox

The BB-gun effect was achieved with animation.

The movie didn't have a huge budget for special effects. Fox

The film has fooled many people into believing "Angels With Filthy Souls" is real.

"Angels With Filthy Souls" was created for "Home Alone." Fox

"Home Alone" was written with Culkin in mind after another Hughes hit.

Macaulay Culkin in "Uncle Buck." Universal

Production of the film took place at a familiar high school in the suburbs of Chicago.

"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" was filmed at New Trier Township High School. Paramount Pictures

Candy reportedly made less than the pizza boy for his cameo in "Home Alone."

John Candy was only on set for one day. Fox

The crew dropped everything on the second day of filming to shoot the final scene in the snow.

They shot the scene where Kevin reunites with his mom on the second day. Fox

The stunts were real - and one was even named in honor of "Home Alone."

The stuntpeople had to do all of the falls themselves. Fox

Columbus went on to direct another Christmas hit.

Kurt Russell in "The Christmas Chronicles 2." Netflix

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