Introduction
Macaulay Culkin’s portrayal of Kevin McCallister in Home Alone (1990) made him a household name. However, it was his role in the 1992 sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, that not only solidified his status as a child star but also significantly boosted his earnings.
The Making of ‘Home Alone 2’
Directed by Chris Columbus and produced by John Hughes, Home Alone 2 was released on November 20, 1992. The film follows Kevin as he accidentally boards a plane to New York City while his family heads to Florida. Once again, he faces off against the bumbling burglars Harry and Marv.
Box Office Success
Despite being a sequel, Home Alone 2 performed exceptionally well at the box office. It grossed over $173 million in the United States and Canada and approximately $359 million worldwide, surpassing its predecessor’s performance in North America .
Macaulay Culkin’s Earnings
For the original Home Alone, Culkin earned $110,000. However, for the sequel, his compensation was significantly higher. He received $4.5 million for his acting role and an additional 5% of the film’s net profits. Moreover, Culkin secured 15% of the merchandising profits, notably from the Talkboy, a toy recorder featured in the movie .
The Iconic Talkboy
The Talkboy became a holiday sensation in 1993, with approximately 45 million units sold before its discontinuation in 1999. Culkin’s stake in its sales contributed significantly to his earnings from the film .
Conclusion
Macaulay Culkin’s preference for Home Alone 2 over the original is rooted in both professional and financial success. His strategic negotiations ensured that the sequel was not only a box office hit but also a lucrative venture, thanks to his involvement in the film’s profits and merchandising.