On January 15, 2026, Macaulay Culkin expressed openness to a film project alongside his brother Kieran Culkin, provided the opportunity feels ideal for both actors. This potential Macaulay and Kieran Culkin reunion would mark their first joint appearance since 1992’s Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, where they played siblings on screen.
The Conditions Behind a Possible Screen Reunion
Macaulay Culkin, now 45, explained that a collaborative movie with Kieran, 43, hinges on the project being the “right thing” for their careers.
“I think it would have to be just right when it comes to those kind of things,”
Macaulay told Collider.com, emphasizing his respect for Kieran’s individual success. He acknowledged Kieran’s growing reputation in independent roles and expressed a readiness to join forces again only if the project genuinely fits both of them.
“I think it’s going to be one of those, I-know-when-I-see-it kind of gigs. I’m not allergic to it altogether, but yeah, if the right thing comes our way,”
Macaulay added.
Kieran Culkin’s Recent Accolades and Family Reactions
In March 2025, Kieran Culkin received the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of Benji Kaplan in the 2024 film A Real Pain. The comedy-drama follows his character and cousin David, played by Jesse Eisenberg, as they embark on a journey honoring their Jewish heritage in Poland. Kieran’s win edged out strong contenders including Yura Borisov (Anora), Edward Norton (A Complete Unknown), Guy Pearce (The Brutalist), and Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice).
Macaulay revealed his emotional response to Kieran’s Oscar win during a conversation with fashion designer Tan France at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party. When asked if he had watched the ceremony, Macaulay said,
“Just the Best Supporting Actor. That’s the only thing I watched. True story, true story… I cried. And I was like, ‘I’m gonna see you later.’”
Both Macaulay and his wife, actress Brenda Song, expressed no surprise at Kieran’s success. Song stated,
“Of course. Let’s be real. We’re allowed to say that.”
Macaulay agreed, adding,
“Yeah, absolutely. He was front row, aisle, closest to the stairs. There was no way he was not going to win.”
Macaulay Culkin’s Thoughts on Revisiting the Home Alone Series
While Macaulay Culkin rose to fame as Kevin McCallister in the first two Home Alone movies and did not participate in the subsequent six installments, he has entertained the idea of revisiting the franchise under the right circumstances. During his
“A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin”
tour in December 2025, he shared a concept he had imagined which casts Kevin as a father dealing with a strained relationship with his son.
He described the plot:
“I’m either a widower or a divorcee. I’m raising a kid and all that stuff. I’m working really hard, and I’m not really paying enough attention, and the kid is kind of getting miffed at me, and then I get locked out.”
Macaulay added,
“[Kevin’s son] won’t let me in… and he’s the one setting traps for me.”
The idea replaces the classic antagonists Harry and Marv with Kevin himself, using the house as a metaphor for rebuilding the bond between father and son.
Elaborating further, Macaulay said,
“[Kevin has to] ‘get let back into son’s heart’ kind of deal,”
calling this pitch the closest he has to a clear concept.
“I’m not completely allergic to it, the right thing.”
Director’s Perspective on Rebooting the Franchise
Despite Macaulay’s openness, Home Alone director Chris Columbus has previously voiced strong opposition to any reboot or revival. In summer 2025, Columbus told Entertainment Tonight that attempting to revisit the original film would be a mistake, stressing the uniqueness of the movie’s original moment in time.
He explained,
“I think Home Alone really exists as, not at this timepiece, but it was this very special moment, and you can’t really recapture that. I think it’s a mistake to try to go back and recapture something we did 35 years ago.”
Columbus firmly concluded,
“I think it should be left alone.”
The Significance of the Culkin Brothers’ Potential Collaboration
A Macaulay and Kieran Culkin reunion would carry considerable interest for fans of their earlier work and supporters of their individual careers, especially given Kieran’s recent acclaim and Macaulay’s nostalgic influence. Their cautious approach reflects a desire to preserve artistic integrity rather than simply capitalizing on past success, indicating any future collaboration would be thoughtfully crafted.
The brothers’ openness to wait for the “just right” project points to a meaningful reunion rather than a casual return, leaving audiences eager to see if a perfect cinematic opportunity will arise. Meanwhile, Macaulay’s creative ideas for a Home Alone reboot demonstrate continued engagement with his legacy, even as the original director advises against revisiting the film.
