Kieran Culkin is embracing the holiday season by reflecting on his Christmas traditions and career, particularly his connection to the iconic film Home Alone. During his recent appearance at the Savannah College of Art & Design's 27th annual SCAD Savannah Film Festival, where he received the Virtuoso Award, the 42-year-old actor shared some candid insights about how he and his family approach the festive season.
During the event, Culkin, who has gained acclaim for his role as Roman Roy on HBO's hit series Succession, revealed his surprising Christmas habits. "I used to watch it every year but now I tend to give it like, a break. I don’t think I watched it last year... so probably this year," he shared with Parade. This admission is especially captivating considering Culkin's background as part of the family featured in the beloved 1990 film, where his brother Macaulay Culkin played the lead role. Kieran himself portrayed Macaulay's cousin, offering audiences fond memories of childhood holiday viewing.
Interestingly, Kieran also mentioned his changing tastes when it came to holiday movies. He stated, "Last year, I did Die Hard. My new favorite Christmas movie is The Night Before… Remember That One? No? It’s A Good Movie." This shift from the classic Home Alone to Die Hard reflects not only Culkin's personal growth but also resonates with many modern holiday viewers who appreciate the blend of action and comedy during the season.
Despite his fond memories associated with Home Alone, the actor expressed some apprehension about his own children watching the film: "...I find the movie a bit scary for 3-and-5-year-old kids." This protective instinct showcases how parental perspectives can evolve over time, changing how classic films are perceived through the lens of parenthood.
Reflecting on his career, Kieran's recent achievements highlight his continued relevance and success within the industry. His role as Roman Roy on Succession established him as one of television's compelling characters, granting him significant recognition. The show has garnered widespread acclaim, contributing to its status as one of the most talked-about series of the past few years.
Further exploring his evolution, Kieran recently collaborated with Jesse Eisenberg, who transitioned from acting to directing with the Golden Globe-nominated dramedy A Real Pain. Eisenberg remarked on how certain roles can drastically affect one's career, particularly the public perception following the poorly received Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, where he played Lex Luthor. "I genuinely think it actually hurt my career in a real way because I was poorly received in something so public," Eisenberg noted during his interview.
Despite the challenges they both face, Culkin and Eisenberg demonstrate resilience as they navigate their careers and make contributions to the film world. Culkin's growth is evident as he finds balance between his past roles and future possibilities, especially as he navigates the bittersweet nostalgia of holiday traditions.
So as the Christmas season approaches, Kieran Culkin's reflections remind us of the intertwining of family, tradition, and the everlasting impact of films — one of which will surely continue to captivate viewers for generations. While he may reduce his viewings of Home Alone, his contributions to the film industry remain impactful, with new memories and family habits being constructed each year.
