Director Chris Columbus had originally signed on to work on the film “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” but after meeting with leading actor Chevy Chase, he realized he couldn’t work with him. Columbus recalled two “bizarre” meetings with Chase that solidified his decision not to continue with the project. He eventually called John Hughes, the writer of the film, to let him know that he couldn’t work with Chase.
During their first meeting, Columbus alleged that Chase didn’t seem to remember that he was the director of the film. Despite discussing the movie with Chase for half an hour, the actor apparently didn’t engage in the conversation and abruptly ended the meeting. In their second meeting, Columbus claimed that Chase was disengaged and talked about everything except for “Christmas Vacation.” This behavior led Columbus to believe he couldn’t make a movie with Chase.
John Hughes understood Columbus’s decision to step away from “Christmas Vacation” and offered him the script for “Home Alone” instead. Columbus found “Home Alone” to be a better script and chose to work on that film instead. The movie, starring Macaulay and Kieran Culkin, became a huge success and a beloved holiday classic. Columbus found the experience of working on “Home Alone” to be more personal and fulfilling compared to working with Chase.
Despite the success of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” Columbus’s decision not to work with Chase resulted in him leaving the project. Chase’s alleged behavior during meetings with Columbus contributed to the director’s decision to step away from the film. Columbus felt that Chase was not engaged and treated him poorly, making it impossible for him to work with the actor. Ultimately, Columbus’s choice to work on “Home Alone” instead turned out to be a positive one for his career.
Page Six reached out to Chase’s representative for comment on the situation but did not receive a response. The behind-the-scenes drama involving Chase and Columbus sheds light on the challenges and conflicts that can arise in the filmmaking process. Despite the difficulties he faced with Chase, Columbus was able to move on to a successful project and create a beloved film that continues to be celebrated to this day. The decision to step away from “Christmas Vacation” ultimately led to a positive outcome for Columbus and his career.
