Donald Trump has denied director Chris Columbus’ claims that he “managed to talk his way into” Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
The former US president said on his social media platform Truth Social that the film’s production team was “begging me to make a brief appearance”.
Trump said of the 1992 film: “They rented the Plaza Hotel in New York, which I owned at the time. I was very busy and didn’t want to do it. They were very nice, but above all persistent.
“I agreed, and the rest is history!” This little cameo took off like a rocket and the film was a big success, and still is, especially in the run-up to Christmas. People call me every time it’s on.
The sequel to the 1990 comedy Home Alone, Home Alone 2 grossed $359 million (£280 million) and was the third highest-grossing film of 1992.
In 2020, Columbus, who directed both films, told Business Insider that Trump’s appearance was a condition of being able to film inside the Plaza Hotel, in addition to the usual fees.
“He talked his way into the movie,” said Columbus, who reported that Trump said, “The only way I’ll use the Plaza is if I’m in the movie.”
But Trump said this week on Truth Social: “Nothing could be further from the truth. » He added that his appearance gave considerable momentum to the film. “That appearance helped make the film successful, but if they felt intimidated or didn’t want me, why did they put me and keep me there for over 30 years? Because I was, and still am, great for the film, that’s why! Just another Hollywood guy from the past looking for a quick fix to Trump’s publicity for himself! »
The Home Alone films, in which Macaulay Culkin plays a young boy accidentally abandoned by his family and must fight off burglars played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, have become staples of Christmas films.
In a recent interview, Pesci recalled the experience of making the film as one of striking “spontaneity and creativity.” He also remembers “suffering severe burns to the top of his head” in a scene in which his character’s hat is set on fire.
In 2019, some Trump supporters complained when his appearance was removed from a clip of the film shown on television in Canada. At the time, Trump said he suspected it was orchestrated by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, amid a dispute between the two countries over trade tariffs.
A CBC spokesperson denied the report, saying the film was purchased for broadcast by the network and edited in 2014, and that the Trump scene was one of several scenes omitted because they did not “do anything.” not an integral part of the plot.
In 2021, Culkin said he was “sold” on the idea of digitally removing Trump from the film.
Trump was known for his appearances in films and television shows in the 1980s and 1990s. As of 2017, Matt Damon supported Columbus’ claim that Trump insisted on appearing in productions that wanted to feature his properties, telling The Hollywood Reporter that these cameos were often cut from the final cut.
