Chris Columbus Discusses Macaulay Culkin's Influence on Harry Potter Casting

The director's experience with 'Home Alone' stardom shaped his approach to finding young actors for the Harry Potter films.

Chris Columbus directed both 'Home Alone' and the first two 'Harry Potter' films, learning valuable lessons from Macaulay Culkin's rise to fame.
Columbus emphasized the importance of casting child actors with stable family environments to avoid the pitfalls of sudden stardom.
Culkin's troubled family life during his 'Home Alone' fame made Columbus cautious about the pressures of child stardom.
The director felt a significant responsibility to prepare the Harry Potter actors and their families for the intense public scrutiny they would face.
Columbus's careful casting approach contributed to the lasting success and well-being of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.