“Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” released in 1992, stands as the sequel to the iconic “Home Alone,” and it notably featured Macaulay Culkin reprising his star-making role as Kevin McCallister. However, one of the film’s memorable moments was a cameo appearance by Donald Trump, who was the owner of New York’s Plaza Hotel at the time. Director Chris Columbus revealed in an interview with Business Insider in 2020 that Trump’s involvement in the movie was somewhat unconventional and stemmed from a specific requirement.
According to Columbus, the production team desired to shoot in the lobby of the Plaza Hotel, a location that couldn’t be replicated on a soundstage. Typically, filmmakers would pay a fee to use such a location, but Trump added a unique condition. Columbus explained, “We paid the fee, but he also said, ‘The only way you can use the Plaza is if I’m in the movie.'” Consequently, the team agreed to incorporate Trump into the film.
Despite some uncertainty about whether Trump’s scene would make the final cut, it turned out to be a crowd-pleaser. Columbus recounted the audience’s positive reaction during a test screening, stating, “People cheered when Trump showed up on-screen.” This led Columbus to decide, “Leave him in the movie. It’s a moment for the audience.” However, Columbus acknowledged that Trump had indeed “bully his way into the movie.”
The interview also delved into Columbus’s journey with the “Home Alone” franchise, revealing that he took on the first film after stepping away from directing “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” with Chevy Chase. Reflecting on his career at the time, Columbus admitted, “I needed the job desperately.” He highlighted the element of luck in receiving the script for “Home Alone” shortly thereafter, a decision that shaped his directorial path.
Furthermore, Columbus shared insights into his contributions to the emotional depth of the film, citing the addition of a poignant moment between Kevin’s neighbor, “Old Man” Marley, and Kevin at the Christmas concert. He also expressed pride in adding the conclusion where Marley is reunited with his granddaughter, considering it one of his most significant contributions to the movie.
