The Home Alone franchise has become a beloved part of holiday movie tradition. From its inception in 1990, the series captivated audiences with the misadventures of young Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin. However, it seems that a popular Hunger Games star, Josh Hutcherson, was almost a part of this iconic franchise.
During a recent interview with Buzzfeed, Hutcherson revealed that he had auditioned for a role in one of the Home Alone movies when he was just eleven years old. Although he did not specify which installment or character he went for, it is likely that it was Home Alone 4, which featured a recasting of Kevin's character. Unfortunately, the role slipped through Hutcherson's grasp, leaving him to experience his first taste of rejection.
Despite missing out on the opportunity to be a part of the Home Alone franchise, Hutcherson's career continued to flourish. In the year following the release of Home Alone 4, he appeared in a series of family-friendly films, including Kicking & Screaming, Zathura, and Little Manhattan. However, his true breakthrough came when he was cast as Peeta Mellark in The Hunger Games, which became a global phenomenon.
After taking a brief hiatus from mainstream films, Hutcherson made a strong comeback with the highly successful Five Nights at Freddy's movie in 2023. This horror film, produced by Blumhouse Productions, became the studio's highest-grossing movie to date, despite receiving mixed reviews. Hutcherson's performance as the lead character catapulted him back into the spotlight, with fans recognizing and celebrating his previous roles and his advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
Looking ahead, Hutcherson has several exciting projects lined up. He recently starred in The Beekeeper, an action-thriller directed by David Ayer, which was released in January. Additionally, he will reunite with his Hunger Games co-star Isabelle Fuhrman in Littlemouth, an upcoming science fiction mystery. There are also strong indications that a sequel to Five Nights at Freddy's is on the horizon, further solidifying Hutcherson's position as a rising star in the industry.
While it may have been disappointing for Hutcherson to miss out on joining the Home Alone franchise, there is no doubt that his career has remained on an upward trajectory. With a string of successful projects under his belt and an increasing presence on social media, Hutcherson's talent and authenticity continue to shine. As we enjoy revisiting the Home Alone movies on Disney+, it is a reminder that sometimes missed opportunities can lead to even greater success.
