In a startling revelation that could have rewritten Christmas movie history, it has emerged that Tim Curry was originally cast as one of the iconic burglars in the 1990 classic Home Alone.
The legendary actor, famous for his role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, was set to play the part that eventually went to Joe Pesci - but fate had other plans for both the film and Curry's career.
The Casting Shake-Up That Changed Everything
According to recent disclosures, Curry had to withdraw from the production due to scheduling conflicts with another project. This last-minute departure created the vacancy that allowed Joe Pesci to step into the role of Harry Lyme, one of the infamous "Wet Bandits" who face the wrath of young Kevin McCallister's elaborate traps.
The role became one of Pesci's most memorable performances, despite the actor having to endure genuine pain during filming. Pesci later revealed that Macaulay Culkin's on-screen attacks sometimes connected for real, leaving the seasoned actor with actual injuries from the child star's enthusiastic defence mechanisms.
A Christmas Classic Almost Unrecognisable
It's difficult to imagine anyone other than Pesci and Daniel Stern as the bumbling burglars, but Curry's involvement would have dramatically altered the film's dynamic. Known for his flamboyant and theatrical style, Curry would have brought a completely different energy to the role of Harry.
The casting change proved fortuitous for Pesci, who was riding high from his Oscar-winning performance in Goodfellas earlier that same year. His portrayal of the frustrated, increasingly aggravated burglar became instant comedy gold.
The Trump Connection
In another fascinating twist to the Home Alone story, the film's connection to Donald Trump emerged through entirely different circumstances. The future US president made a cameo appearance in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, where he gave directions to a lost Kevin McCallister in the Plaza Hotel lobby.
This appearance came about through Ivana Trump's involvement as a producer, showcasing how the film franchise intersected with unexpected figures from business and future politics.
The revelation about Curry's near-miss role adds another layer to the rich history of one of cinema's most beloved holiday films, reminding us how differently things might have turned out with just one different casting decision.
