A few days ago came the news that Disney was proceeding with yet another remake, this time a live-action take on their 2002 animated feature “Lilo & Stitch”. Such an announcement was not a surprise as Disney has been steadily remaking much if its animated back catalogue into live-action features.
Remake news that did catch people off guard though came last year when it was revealed Disney+ was planning a new take on Fox’s classic 1990s live-action holiday comedy “Home Alone”. The new version would star Archie Yates (“Jojo Rabbit”) as the kid at home alone, while Rob Delaney and Ellie Kemper play his parents.
In a recent interview with Insider, the original film’s director Chris Columbus spoke about the new film and says he doesn’t see any point to it:
“Nobody got in touch with me about it, and it’s a waste of time as far as I’m concerned. What’s the point? I’m a firm believer that you don’t remake films that have had the longevity of ‘Home Alone.’ You’re not going to create lightning in a bottle again. It’s just not going to happen.
So why do it? It’s like doing a paint-by-numbers version of a Disney animated film – a live-action version of that. What’s the point? It’s been done. Do your own thing. Even if you fail miserably, at least you have come up with something original.”
His take is nicer than his response to “Stoned Alone,” a rumored Ryan Reynolds-led R-rated remake in the works a few years ago – that version he dubbed an “insult to the art of cinema.” As part of the interview he also acknowledges that the “Home Alone” sequel he directed is “basically a remake of the first”. Three more direct to video sequels were made, none of which Columbus was involved in.
