Many people have questioned why Kevin did not appear in Home Alone 3, leading to speculation that the film was poorly received and did not follow the earlier installments closely. However, by the time Culkin was approached, he had other plans, having found success in his career as an actor.
Macaulay Culkin decided to focus on pursuing interests such as art and writing. This decision significantly altered the trajectory of the Home Alone franchise. Although the actor has not reprised his role since 1992, the film Home Alone was still released in 2021, leaving fans curious about what happened to Kevin McCallister after his initial adventures.
Some speculate that Macaulay Culkin may have stepped back to protect his family life. A notable detail in the character’s storyline is that Max’s home bears the sign: “Protected by McCallister Home Security,” hinting that Kevin may have even started his own security business.
There is some skepticism that Home Alone 3 would have been a greater box office success if Macaulay Culkin had returned. Unfortunately, Home Alone 3 did not achieve the same level of acclaim as its predecessors, failing to resonate deeply with the audience. The film only earned $80 million (according to Box Office Mojo), a significant drop compared to Home Alone 2, which grossed a total of $359 million.
The difference of $279 million can largely be attributed to the absence of the original cast members, as the new faces lacked the same audience engagement.
The Home Alone series is a beloved holiday classic produced by 20th Century Fox, directed by Chris Columbus, and written by John Hughes. The original film was released in 1990 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, garnering widespread acclaim from audiences worldwide. Home Alone is now considered one of the most iconic Christmas films, continuing to captivate audiences to this day.
The story follows 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (played by Macaulay Culkin), who is accidentally left behind when his family flies to Paris for Christmas vacation. Realizing he has been forgotten, Kevin becomes the “man of the house” and must defend his home against two bumbling burglars (played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) who are attempting to break in. Using his creativity and quick thinking, Kevin sets up elaborate traps to protect his home from the intruders.
Home Alone has become a global phenomenon and spawned several sequels and remakes. The film has achieved significant commercial success and is now considered one of the most famous Christmas movies of all time.
Recently, the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress has added 25 films to its registry for 2023, including titles such as Home Alone, 12 Years a Slave, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Films selected must be at least 10 years old and are chosen based on their cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance, ensuring the preservation of the cinematic heritage of the United States.
