Overview

• During his August 2025 appearance on Hot Ones, Macaulay Culkin revealed he earned $4.5 million for Home Alone 2, making him the highest-paid child actor of the time.
• His contract granted him a five percent share of net profits and a 15 percent cut of merchandising revenue tied to the film.
• The Talkboy tie-in sold an estimated 45 million units before its 1999 discontinuation, adding over $200 million to Culkin’s total earnings.
• Home Alone 2 grossed $356 million worldwide on a $28 million budget, underscoring the value of its backend arrangements.
• Culkin’s blockbuster payouts reshaped expectations for underage performers and continue to influence Hollywood compensation practices.