Chris Columbus Says No One Begged Donald Trump to be in ‘Home Alone 2’

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As a cinephile with decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that the sequel to the 1990 classic “Home Alone” is not as memorable or well-crafted as its predecessor. However, it does boast one unique element that the original does not: a brief cameo by none other than Donald Trump! Now, I’ve followed the twists and turns of Hollywood for a good chunk of my life, and this tale of how Trump found himself in the film is quite intriguing.

Director Chris Columbus has recently debunked Trump’s claims that he “begged” for the cameo, stating that it was actually the only way to shoot at the Plaza Hotel. I find it fascinating how the former and future president’s influence managed to make an appearance in a beloved holiday sequel, despite the director’s initial reluctance.

That being said, let me tell you a little story about my own run-ins with Hollywood celebrities. One time, while waiting in line for coffee at a local Starbucks, I overheard a conversation between two people discussing their latest project, and one of them happened to be… wait for it… Tom Hanks! But alas, he was too busy sipping his latte to acknowledge me or my admiration. So much for my big break in showbiz!

In any case, if you’re looking for a holiday film to watch this season, “Home Alone 2” has found its way onto Disney+ and is currently reigning supreme on the U.S. charts. While it may not be as critically acclaimed as the original, it does have that one-of-a-kind Trump cameo. Just don’t expect any meaningful interaction with the man himself – even if you happen to bump into him at a Starbucks! Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals.

In my humble opinion, while the new movie may not surpass its original ’90s counterpart, it certainly brings something unique to the table that the classic comedy lacked: a cameo appearance by the former president himself. Over the years, there has been much speculation about how our esteemed leader managed to secure a spot in this film. However, recent developments have shed light on the matter, with director Spike Lee refuting President Trump’s claims that he begged for his participation in the movie. As someone who lived through both the ’90s and the era of social media politics, I find it fascinating to witness the unfolding drama between these two influential figures and can’t wait to see how this will all play out on the silver screen.

Contrary to what President Trump has asserted, it’s important to clarify that his role in the Macaulay Culkin holiday sequel was not requested by the film’s director. In fact, if not for the positive response from preview audiences, his appearance might have been removed entirely. This information was shared by director Columbus during a recent interview with Vanity Fair, reiterating his original statement on the matter.

In order to film at the Plaza Hotel, we needed Trump’s appearance as a guest role since he owned the hotel… Therefore, we included him in the cameo. I told my team, “We can always remove this scene later.” We ultimately screened the movie. Essentially, Trump was well-known for real estate in Manhattan. He appeared onscreen and the audience applauded and cheered. As a result, we decided to keep it and the scene remained in the final cut forever.

Initially, Trump denied interfering in the production through his personal platform, Truth Social. Previously, Columbus chose not to respond, but later disclosed that he remained silent because of his wife’s counsel. He further added:

Trump stated that he never requested a role in the movie, but we were the ones who asked him to be part of it. Just as I was about to respond, my wife advised me to stay out of it. In essence, I don’t intend to argue over Home Alone; there are far more important conflicts to address.

‘Home Alone 2’ is a Classic Rinse and Repeat Sequel

For several weeks now, “Home Alone” has held the top spot on Disney+’s global chart. However, in the United States, “Home Alone 2” has managed to dethrone it, climbing above its predecessor and popular Disney titles like “The Lion King”, as well as new series such as “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” and “Marvel’s What If…?”. Despite almost equaling the box office success of “Home Alone,” earning over $350 million from a $28 million budget, “Home Alone 2” didn’t receive positive reviews from critics.

The second film in the “Home Alone” series received lower audience ratings compared to the initial movie, earning a 62% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, for critics it was seen as a repetitive rehash of the original, albeit with larger settings and familiar jokes. The critical reception for Home Alone 2, particularly, sank to 35%, with Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern’s characters, Harry and Marv, being subjected to an even greater number of intense traps than before. The plotline largely mirrored the structure of the original “Home Alone” film.

Absolutely, “Home Alone 2” has become one of those cherished holiday movies that people eagerly watch in December. The movie’s popularity isn’t just due to a fleeting cameo by Donald Trump, despite his assertions; it’s been further boosted by its availability on Disney+, giving fans the convenience to revisit Kevin McCallister’s surprising New York adventure anytime they wish with a simple click of a button. Happy Holidays, you dirty animals!

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2024-12-31 18:32