Daniel Stern, star of the classic holiday movie “Home Alone,” risked his career on a pay raise demand before the filming of the sequel. His memoir, “Home and Alone,” reveals the intricate details of the financial disputes he faced during this time.
Initial Salary and Early Disputes
Stern, aged 66, recounts being initially compensated $300,000 for six weeks of work on the original “Home Alone” film. The 1990 movie saw him portraying Marv Murchins, one-half of the Wet Bandits, with Joe Pesci playing the other half, Harry Lyme. When the shooting schedule extended to eight weeks, Stern requested a proportional salary increase, which was denied by the studio. This dispute almost led to his removal from the film, but the producers later decided to stick with the original contract.
Financial Success of ‘Home Alone’
“Home Alone,” which cost 20th Century Fox around $18 million to produce, grossed roughly $500 million globally. As plans for the sequel, “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” came into play, Stern was ready to negotiate for a larger paycheck.
Sequel Salary Negotiations
Stern was initially offered $600,000 for the sequel. Although it was double his previous pay, it fell short of his expectations. He attempted to negotiate further upon learning that his co-star Joe Pesci’s paycheck significantly surpassed his own, hitting somewhere between $2,000,000 to $3,000,000 plus a gross percentage of the profits. Stern, against his agent’s advice, asked for $1.5 million and 2 percent of the gross profits. The studio partially granted his request, raising his salary to $1.5 million but reducing the profit percentage to 1.
A Peek Behind the Scenes
Alongside revealing his financial battles, Stern shared a glimpse into the film’s set life. He often interacted with lead actor Macaulay Culkin, who was portraying the character Kevin McCallister. Culkin’s unique upbringing and the pressures of show business became evident during their interactions, resulting in a different dynamic between the actors.
Wrapping Up
With his unique and influential role in a classic holiday film, Daniel Stern’s experiences provide a fascinating look into the business side of Hollywood. His journey showcases the risks involved when discussing financial terms and the potential rewards that follow. For more compelling stories and insights, be sure to visit HitPlay.
