Hollywood icon Macaulay Culkin has revealed one of his biggest career regrets – passing up the chance to star in Wes Anderson's beloved 1998 comedy Rushmore.
In a candid interview, the former child star admitted that declining the role remains a sore point, calling it a missed opportunity to work with the visionary director during his early years.
The Role That Got Away
Culkin was originally offered a key part in Anderson's quirky coming-of-age story, which ultimately launched Jason Schwartzman's career. The film became a cult classic, praised for its unique humour and heartfelt storytelling.
'It's one of those decisions that haunts you,' Culkin confessed. 'At the time, I was stepping back from acting, but looking back, I wish I'd made an exception for Wes.'
A Comedy Retirement Mistake
The Home Alone star was at a crossroads in his career when Rushmore came along. After years of child stardom, Culkin had planned to take an extended break from Hollywood.
'I thought I was done with comedy, done with acting,' he explained. 'But Wes had this magical quality even then. That script was special.'
Instead, the role of precocious student Max Fischer went to Schwartzman, whose performance earned widespread acclaim and cemented Anderson's reputation as a unique voice in cinema.
Looking Back With Perspective
Now, with decades of hindsight, Culkin acknowledges the film's significance in independent cinema. Rushmore marked the beginning of Anderson's distinctive visual style and launched several careers.
'It's not just about missing a great project,' Culkin reflected. 'It's about missing the chance to be part of something that changed filmmaking. That's the real regret.'
The actor has since returned to acting, appearing in recent projects like The Righteous Gemstones, proving it's never too late for a Hollywood comeback.
