Daniel Stern’s near miss with the iconic film “Home Alone” almost cost him his role as Marv the burglar. In his new memoir, aptly titled “Home and Alone,” Stern reveals that he initially agreed to be paid $300,000 for six weeks of work on the 1990 movie. However, things took a turn when the shooting schedule was extended to eight weeks. Stern, rightfully so, asked if his salary would be increased accordingly, but the producers declined.
In a twist of fate, another actor was hired to rehearse with Joe Pesci in Chicago. Fortunately for Stern, it didn’t work out, and he received a call a few days later. The producers wanted him back and agreed to honor the original contract, reverting the shooting schedule back to six weeks. Stern breathed a sigh of relief and learned a valuable lesson from the experience.
Despite the initial setback, “Home Alone” went on to become a massive success, grossing nearly $500 million worldwide. Twentieth Century Fox wasted no time planning a sequel. According to Stern’s memoir, Macaulay Culkin, the film’s young star, had a sequel deal worth $5 million plus 5% of the box office gross. Stern, excited about the prospects, eagerly awaited his own offer.
However, it took six months for the producers to present Stern with an offer of $600,000, double his original salary. Disappointed but determined, Stern asked if Joe Pesci received the same amount, only to find out that Pesci was making significantly more. Pesci’s earnings ranged between $2 million and $3 million, along with a percentage of the profits. Frustrated, Stern decided to part ways with his agent, believing that he could negotiate a better deal himself.
Taking matters into his own hands, Stern played a game of chicken with the studio. He boldly asked for $1.5 million and 2% of the gross profits. The negotiations went down to the wire, with the head of Fox, Joe Roth, personally calling Stern to start filming without a contract. In the end, Stern’s gamble paid off. He secured his asking salary and 1% of the gross.
Reflecting on the experience, Stern admits that he was initially insecure and didn’t want to be too greedy. However, he recognized his value to the movie and was determined to receive fair compensation.
