The Making of Home Alone 2
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The Making of Home Alone 2
Right after Justin signed the contract to star in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, things began to move quickly. The filmmakers faced the challenge of creating a sequel that could match the original while also offering something new to the audience. The pressure was on to keep the spirit of the first film alive while also introducing fresh elements that would captivate viewers.
John Hughes, who had written the first Home Alone, led a team of experienced writers from 20th Century Fox to work on the new script. Hughes had a reputation for understanding what made a family film resonate, and he was determined to capture the magic of the original while taking Kevin McCallister on a new adventure in one of the most vibrant cities in the world: New York City. To ensure the film felt authentic, Hughes and his team decided to take a trip to New York for inspiration.
As they arrived in the city, they were immediately struck by the towering skyscrapers, the bustling streets filled with people, and the iconic landmarks that would soon become integral to the film. The energy of New York was palpable, and the writers soaked in every moment, jotting down ideas and sketching out scenes as they walked through Central Park, Times Square, and along Fifth Avenue. The writers visited famous spots like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge, all while brainstorming how these locations could enhance Kevin's misadventures.
Within just a week, the team laid out the foundation for the script. Unlike the first movie, which had taken much longer because they had to build everything from scratch, this sequel was easier to write. The characters were already beloved, and the audience had an established emotional connection to Kevin. The main challenge was figuring out how to take the same formula that worked so well in the first film and put it into a different setting with new plot twists.
One of the most iconic locations in Home Alone 2 was the Plaza Hotel. The hotel's classic New York charm and grandeur fit perfectly with the film's storyline, offering a luxurious backdrop for Kevin's mischief. The filmmakers approached the Plaza with a unique proposal: in exchange for prominently featuring the hotel in the movie, they would allow the crew to book the entire hotel for two weeks. The Plaza agreed to provide rooms and services for free, but in return, they would receive a percentage of the movie's box office earnings. This was a win-win situation; the hotel would gain significant exposure from being featured in a major motion picture, especially after the massive success of the first Home Alone.
The Plaza also agreed to keep its Christmas decorations up longer than usual to match the holiday setting of the film. The lavish decorations—the twinkling lights, the towering Christmas tree in the lobby, and the festive wreaths—added a magical touch that would enhance the film's holiday spirit. The film crew planned to shoot most of the interior hotel scenes in the second week, after wrapping up the outdoor shots around New York in the first week.
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Justin's POV:
New York, Here We Come
December 16th
It's been exactly two months since my album sold over 4 million copies in the USA alone, meaning it's gone four times platinum. This album features hits like "An Angel," "Happy," "Bad Day," and "Who Let the Dogs Out." In international markets, I sold over 6 million copies.
At the same time, the box office for Home Alone soared past $650 million within two months—over $300 million in North America and $350 million internationally. And you know news media are nuts over me.
Me, Scooter, and my mom arrived in New York shortly after I signed the contract for Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. It was exciting to be back in the city, especially knowing I'd be stepping back into the role of Kevin McCallister. The thought of reuniting with the character that had brought me so much joy and recognition filled me with energy. This time, I was playing Kevin in one of the biggest cities in the world, and I couldn't wait to see how the story unfolded.
John Hughes handed me the script as soon as we checked into the Plaza Hotel. My mom and I had a suite that felt unreal with its stunning view of Central Park, while Scooter settled into a regular room. The Plaza was like something out of a dream; the opulence was breathtaking. The lobby was adorned with elaborate decorations, and I could hear the distant sound of a pianist playing holiday tunes. Christmas was still in the air, despite being halfway through December, and the hotel was buzzing with guests enjoying the festive season.
For the next two days, I had the chance to visit the key filming locations around the city. The schedule was tight, but I was eager to soak it all in. The weather was freezing, with snow still blanketing the ground, which was perfect for the movie. The cold was biting, but the picturesque scenes around me made it worth it. I had to bundle up in layers to stay warm, but the snow added an extra layer of magic to everything.
Most of the outdoor scenes were planned for the first week. Central Park was one of the main locations, and as we strolled through its winding paths, I marveled at the snow-covered trees and the glistening lake. I was bundled up in a thick coat, hat, and scarf, trying to stay warm while taking in the iconic scenery. I felt like a kid again, excited about the adventure that awaited me.
Hughes had the shoot moving quickly, with a well-organized schedule that allowed us to make the most of our time in the city. Each day was filled with new locations, and I was ready to dive into filming. The energy was infectious; everyone was passionate about making this sequel a hit.
The writers had crafted a narrative that included all the chaos and humor fans loved, but with the added backdrop of New York's vibrancy. We talked about the new traps Kevin would set and how he would outsmart the bad guys in this new setting. The city itself offered endless possibilities for mischief, and I couldn't wait to get into character.
After our visits to key locations, I returned to the Plaza Hotel to meet with the production team. They had some exciting plans for the interior shots, and I was eager to see how everything would come together. I imagined the hotel scenes where Kevin would navigate the opulent hallways and interact with the guests.
I was also looking forward to seeing how the film crew would integrate the Plaza into the story, showcasing its grandeur while making it a playground for Kevin's antics. The hotel staff were enthusiastic about being part of the film, and I could feel the excitement in the air. Everyone was ready to bring the magic of Home Alone 2 to life.
Each night, I returned to our suite feeling exhausted but fulfilled. I shared my experiences with my mom, who was equally thrilled to be part of this adventure. We talked about the scenes I would film the next day and laughed about the crazy situations Kevin would find himself in.
As the days went on, I felt the anticipation building for the movie's release. I knew that Home Alone 2 had the potential to be just as successful as the first film, if not more so. The energy of New York, the magic of the holiday season, and the fun of playing Kevin McCallister all came together to create an unforgettable experience.
During this time in New York, I always had a camera from Sony in my hand. It was a product I was set to advertise during my stay, whenever I wasn't filming scenes. The camera was sleek and portable, perfect for capturing the sights and sounds of the city. It became my constant companion, and I even used it to document some behind-the-scenes moments with the cast and crew.
One day, as I was hanging out between takes, the group of writers noticed me playing around with the camera. Originally, they had thought about incorporating a voice recorder into the film as one of Kevin's gadgets, something he could use to trick the bad guys. But after seeing me with the camera, they immediately had a change of heart. The writers were struck by how much cooler it would be to have Kevin use a video camera instead. It would fit the times better and allow for even more creative moments in the film. Kevin recording his antics on tape could add a new layer to the comedy and make his traps even more memorable.
They pitched the idea to John Hughes, who loved the concept. Hughes was always looking for ways to keep the story fresh, and the switch from a voice recorder to a video camera made perfect sense for Kevin's character. The idea of Kevin recording his journey in New York added another dimension to the film, showing how tech-savvy and resourceful he had become.
With this new direction, Hughes reached out to 20th Century Fox to propose a partnership with Sony for product placement in the film. Since I was already doing ads for Sony cameras, it seemed like a natural fit to incorporate their latest model into Home Alone 2. The production team worked closely with Sony, and soon, the camera became a part of the movie's storyline. It was a win-win: Sony got great exposure, and the film got an updated, modern gadget for Kevin to use during his adventure.
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