Chris Columbus, the acclaimed director behind iconic films like Home Alone and Mrs. Doubtfire, recently revealed intriguing details about his early involvement with one of the hallmark Christmas films of the late 20th century, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Columbus was initially set to direct the 1989 holiday comedy, but left the project due to difficulties working with its star, Chevy Chase.
During a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Columbus disclosed how he had signed on to lead the film, but his excitement dwindled following awkward encounters with Chase. He mentioned, “I was signed on... and then I met Chevy Chase. Even my situation at the time, where I desperately needed to make a film, I realized I couldn’t work with the guy.” Despite being at the height of his career, Columbus felt out of place when faced with Chase’s peculiar demeanor.
The first meeting between Columbus and Chase—a scenario pivotal to their collaboration—has since become infamous. Columbus recalled, “I talked about how I saw the movie, how I wanted to make the movie. He didn’t say anything. I went through about half an hour of talking. He didn’t say a word.” After what seemed like an eternity, Chase allegedly asked, “Wait a second. You’re the director?” Columbus articulated his confusion over the encounter, noting how bizarre it felt to him. The actor then added the surreal comment, “Oh, I thought you were a drummer.” Columbus humorously reflected on this unusual misinterpretation of roles, saying, “I still haven’t been able to make any sense out of it.”
When Columbus and Chase reconvened, this time with writer and producer John Hughes, he felt even more marginalized. Columbus described the dinner meeting as frustrating, where he thought, “I was basically nonexistent.” Instead of discussing the film, the interaction revolved around Chase and Hughes chatting about various topics unrelated to the project. Columbus left feeling demoralized, stating, “We spent two hours together, and I thought, ‘There’s no way I can make a movie with this guy.’”
Columbus voiced his concerns to Hughes, indicating how Chase's indifferent attitude during their encounters had severely impacted his motivation. “First of all, he’s not engaged. He’s treating me like s**t. I don’t need this. I’d rather not work again. I’d rather write,” Columbus explained. His decision to exit was difficult but clear; he could not envision producing quality work under such strained circumstances.
Eventually, Columbus made the tough call to leave the film, relaying his sentiments to Hughes: “This is really hard for me, but I can’t do this movie with Chevy Chase.” This pivotal moment proved serendipitous for Columbus, as it opened the door to another holiday classic. Just after stepping away, Hughes sent Columbus the script for Home Alone.
Reflecting on his experiences, Columbus remarked, “I quit Christmas Vacation. The next weekend, I got another script from John — and it’s Home Alone. ‘Home Alone,’ for me, was even more personal, abetter script. And I thought, I can really do something with this, and I don’t have to deal with Chevy Chase.” This transition marked the beginning of what would become one of the most beloved family films of all time, propelling Columbus to greater heights within the film industry.
Despite the difficult interactions, Columbus expressed gratitude for the winding path he traversed. The experience highlighted the importance of collaboration and mutual respect within the creative process, emphasizing how sometimes stepping away from challenging situations can lead to unforeseen opportunities.
Chase, now 81, has faced scrutiny for his behavior throughout various productions over the years. Notably, he encountered significant issues during his time on the NBC sitcom Community, where reports of on-set conflicts emerged, including allegations of racist remarks and difficult working relationships. While Chase has brushed aside these accusations, he seems to remain a polarizing figure within Hollywood.
The saga of Chris Columbus’s departure from Christmas Vacation serves as both cautionary tale and reminder of the unique dynamics at play within collaborative environments. It’s worth pondering: What might have been, had different circumstances unfolded? Columbus’s career surely would have taken on another hue had he followed through with directing this holiday classic. But at least his decision paved the way for the story behind Home Alone, which has enchanted audiences across generations.
