Macaulay Caulkin candidly attributing the superiority of Home Alone 2 to him receiving a bigger paycheck
In the world of Hollywood, child actors often find themselves on the sidelines when it comes to financial rewards. However, Macaulay Culkin bucked this trend when he negotiated a groundbreaking deal for his role in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
At just 10 years old, Culkin became the highest-paid child actor in Hollywood history, earning a base salary of approximately $4.5 million. But that was just the beginning. His contract also included 5% of the net profits and an impressive 15% of the merchandising sales related to the film[1][5].
This deal proved to be a lucrative one. With the film selling an estimated 45 million home video units, merchandising earnings alone netted Culkin an estimated $202.5 million[1]. Adding his base salary, his total earnings from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York amounted to a staggering $207 million[1].
The Talkboy, a recorder used by Culkin in the film, was a significant part of this success. Approximately 45 million Talkboys were sold, and Culkin owned 15% of these sales[1].
The Chris Columbus-directed Home Alone 2: Lost in New York premiered in 1997 and earned $356 million at the global box office[2]. Culkin humorously mentioned his financial success from the film during an interview with Sean Evans on Hot Ones[4].
After retiring from acting at the age of 13 in 1994, Culkin made a comeback to the screen in 2021 with Home Sweet Home Alone, the latest installment in the franchise, which is now streaming on Disney Plus[6].
Despite the Talkboy brand's eventual demise, the franchise continues to thrive. Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York are currently streaming on Disney Plus, providing a new generation of viewers with the opportunity to enjoy these classic films[7].
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- Macaulay Culkin, before retiring from acting at the age of 13, negotiated a groundbreaking deal for his role in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, securing him a base salary, a percentage of the net profits, and merchandising sales related to the film.
- The Talkboy, a product used in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, contributed significantly to Culkin's earnings as he owned 15% of its sales, which totaled approximately 45 million units.
- The success of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, both in merchandising and at the box office, where it earned $356 million, resulted in a staggering $207 million in earnings for Macaulay Culkin.
- In 2021, Culkin made a comeback to the screen with Home Sweet Home Alone, the latest installment in the franchise, now streaming on Disney Plus.
- Classic films like Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York are currently streaming on Disney Plus, offering a new generation a chance to enjoy these entertainment staples, including action-packed movies and heartwarming comedies.
