It’s hard to imagine some of our most beloved films with different actors. But in another timeline, Jodie Foster became Princess Leia in Star Wars. And in yet another timeline, Sam Raimi cast Jake Gyllenhaal as Spider-Man. Now, thanks to a TikTok circulating from the Academy Museum, which we came across via Deadline, we’ve learned which big-name stars might have played some of the roles in the original Home Alone. And some names that director Chris Columbus and the film’s producers were looking at in 1990 might genuinely surprise you.
Instead of Catherine O’Hara, the Home Alone producers were looking at several other bankable names to play Kate McAllister, Kevin’s distraught mother. Kirstie Alley, then starring in Cheers and Look Who’s Talking, was at the top of the list. So was Candice Bergen, who was the lead in the popular sitcom Murphy Brown. Susan Sarandon was under consideration, but it’s unknown if the producers ever made an offer. She likely would have been busy making Thelma and Louise at the time. Rocky Horror and original Pennywise Tim Curry was also on the shortlist for the role Joe Pesci would ultimately play, adding to his already legendary resume of credits.
The most surprising name on the list might be none other than Jimmy Stewart, who starred in a different iconic Christmas movie decades earlier, It’s a Wonderful Life. He was looked at for the elderly neighbor who saves the day at the end. Apparently, his agent showed interest, but the producers cast Robert Blossom in the role instead. More than likely, this came down to budget, as Jimmy Stewert surely didn’t come cheap. Would Home Alone have been different if these other actors were playing alongside Macaulay Culkin? Who can say? But it’s an interesting glimpse into what might have been.