The mischievous glint in Macaulay Culkin’s eyes remains familiar decades after Home Alone turned him into a global icon. Yet, during a recent fiery appearance on First We Feast’s Hot Ones, Culkin unveiled a surprising cinematic “what if”: his missed opportunity to star in Wes Anderson’s acclaimed 1998 film Rushmore due to his self-imposed Hollywood retirement. This revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into the Home Alone star’s complex relationship with fame and the roles that slipped away during his retreat from the spotlight.
Why Did Macaulay Culkin Turn Down Wes Anderson’s Rushmore?
Contrary to assumptions, Culkin didn’t consciously reject Rushmore. He simply never saw the script until it was too late. As Culkin explained to host Sean Evans while tackling increasingly spicy wings, he was firmly retired during that pivotal period in the late 90s. “You have to understand, at least then, I was retired for at least a big chunk of that, for at least like six or seven years,” Culkin stated. He prioritized a normal adolescence and personal life over acting, attending high school and marrying young.
While Culkin maintained he was actively reading scripts sent his way during that era, Anderson’s quirky coming-of-age tale slipped through the cracks. “I was actually pretty good at reading. I was kind of vivaciously reading through the scripts,” he recalled. “But there was a couple that slipped through.” He discovered the oversight years later while housecleaning: “I remember about two years later, kind of clearing out the house, throwing out the old scripts, and I saw the one that I didn’t read was Rushmore. I was like, ‘Ah dang. I probably could have done that one.’”
How Jason Schwartzman Seized the Breakout Role
With Culkin out of the picture, the Rushmore role of Max Fischer—a precocious, ambitious teenager navigating love and academia—went to newcomer Jason Schwartzman. The part became Schwartzman’s breakout performance, launching his enduring collaboration with Anderson and a successful acting career. Culkin, reflecting on Schwartzman’s iconic portrayal, acknowledged the casting likely worked out for the best: “Although I can’t imagine anyone but Schwartzman doing that part.”
Despite this, a tinge of playful regret lingers. Culkin wistfully added, “Oh man, that would have been a ball and a biscuit, that one.” Had Culkin accepted the role, his career trajectory might have shifted dramatically from beloved child star to indie film darling during a crucial reinvention period.
Culkin’s Contented Career: Home Alone Legacy & Modern Success
While the Rushmore role faded, Culkin’s life took a fulfilling path. He’s embraced selective projects like American Horror Story and The Righteous Gemstones, cultivated a popular podcast (Bunny Ears), and built a family with partner Brenda Song. His legendary status as Kevin McCallister endures, especially during Christmastime. Song humorously confirmed the Home Alone tradition, recounting to Access Hollywood in 2023 how Culkin’s behind-the-scenes stories initially annoyed her: “Christmastime came around… [Macaulay] started telling me all the behind-the-scenes stories. And I was like, ‘Stop. Stop. You’re ruining it for me.’”
Macaulay Culkin’s Rushmore revelation underscores a life lived deliberately—prioritizing personal growth over Hollywood’s relentless pace. Though a Wes Anderson collaboration remains a tantalizing “what if,” Culkin’s journey from child superstar to content father and artist, punctuated by iconic holiday film traditions, proves some missed roles pave the way for richer, unexpected victories. Watch his full Hot Ones episode for more candid reflections.
Must Know
Q: What role did Macaulay Culkin miss in Rushmore?
A: Culkin missed the opportunity to play Max Fischer, the eccentric protagonist of Wes Anderson’s 1998 film Rushmore. The role ultimately went to Jason Schwartzman, launching his career.
Q: Why didn’t Macaulay Culkin do Rushmore?
A: Culkin was retired from acting during the film’s casting. He didn’t see the script until years later while cleaning his house, revealing it slipped past him unintentionally.
Q: Does Macaulay Culkin regret missing Rushmore?
A: While he acknowledged it “would have been a ball and a biscuit,” Culkin praised Jason Schwartzman’s iconic performance, stating he “can’t imagine anyone else” in the role.
Q: What is Macaulay Culkin doing now?
A: Culkin acts selectively (e.g., The Righteous Gemstones), hosts the Bunny Ears podcast, and focuses on family life with Brenda Song and their children.
