The surprising stars who were almost cast in Christmas classic Home Alone

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Now that the holidays are here, you’re probably enjoying some classic Christmas movies – and it doesn’t get much more classic than “Home Alone”.

First released in 1990, this movie quickly became a beloved holiday tradition. It’s been shown on television every December ever since, and has also led to several follow-up films.

Although Macaulay Culkin is best known for his unforgettable role as Kevin McAllister in the film, the movie also features memorable performances from supporting actors like Catherine O’Hara and Joe Pesci, who greatly contribute to its lasting popularity.

Interestingly, the movie’s cast could have looked quite different! A recent TikTok video from the Academy Museum in Los Angeles revealed that several famous actors were initially considered for roles in the film.

Read on to find out the surprising stars who almost played a part in Home Alone…

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Susan Sarandon

Catherine O’Hara is perfectly cast as Kate McAllister in Home Alone, and it’s difficult to picture anyone else delivering her panicked cries of “Kevin!” with such memorable impact. Interestingly, Susan Sarandon – known for films like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Thelma & Louise, and Dead Man Walking – was also considered for the part.

Kate had several actresses to choose from, including the late Kirstie Alley (known for Cheers), Blythe Danner (Meet the Parents), Joanna Cassidy (Blade Runner), and Candice Bergen (Murphy Brown). Any of them would have been a good fit, but given how well Maureen O’Hara played the part, it’s clear they made the right decision.

Tim Curry

Susan Sarandon isn’t the only famous face from The Rocky Horror Picture Show who could have been in Home Alone. A recently shared clip reveals that Tim Curry was a contender for the role of Harry, one of the burglars (along with Daniel Stern as Marv) who try to rob the McAllister house and fall victim to Kevin’s clever traps.

Joe Pesci ultimately played the part, but there was some doubt he would accept, and someone even wrote that they didn’t think he would. Although Tim Curry was a strong contender, other actors considered for the role included Joe Pantoliano, known for The Sopranos, and the late Zack Norman, who appeared in Romancing the Stone.

Jimmy Stewart

Jimmy Stewart is a true Hollywood legend, famous for starring in beloved Christmas classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “The Shop Around the Corner.” Interestingly, a recently revealed clip shows he was also considered for the role of Marley in “Home Alone,” a part that ultimately went to Roberts Blossom.

Stewart was in his early 80s and had largely retired from acting – his last film appearance was in 1980 – but he was reportedly considered for the role before the producers chose Blossom. Vincent Gardenia, a well-known actor from films like Moonstruck and Little Shop of Horrors, was also a candidate.

Danny Aiello

Several actors were considered for the part of Peter, Kevin’s father, before John Heard was cast. Danny Aiello, known for films like The Godfather Part II and Moonstruck, was reportedly considered but wasn’t available. Other actors who auditioned included Sam Waterston, famous for Law & Order, and David Dukes, who later appeared in Dawson’s Creek.

Authors

Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

Patrick Cremona writes about movies for TopMob, covering new releases in theaters and on streaming services. He’s been with the site since October 2019, and during that time has interviewed many famous actors and reviewed films of all types.

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2025-12-16 20:34