Macaulay Culkin’s Sons “Have No Idea” He’s The Star of “Home Alone”

Nov 28, 2025 by apost team

To millions around the world, Macaulay Culkin remains unforgettable as Kevin McCallister, the clever kid who defends his home in the holiday classic "Home Alone." But to his two young sons, Dakota and Carson, whom he shares with fiancée Brenda Song, Culkin is simply "Dad." 

The actor's connection to the franchise remains strong. "Home Alone" debuted in 1990 and became one of the highest-grossing comedies of all time. Culkin returned for "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" in 1992, and both films remain holiday favorites decades later. Today, Culkin not only shares them with a new generation—his own children—but also continues to honor their legacy through his live tour, which reflects on his childhood in film.

Beyond nostalgia, Culkin continues to revisit the role through his touring show and has reprised Kevin in modern media, including a Home Instead commercial. Meanwhile, Song has emphasized in interviews, including a January 2025 Bustle cover story, that the couple works hard to ensure their sons remain protected from public attention.

Although Culkin occasionally shares anecdotes about fatherhood, he and Song are intentional about keeping their sons out of public view. Song has spoken about this commitment, recalling an outing where one son asked, "Why is that man taking pictures of you, mama?" She explained to Bustle that while she doesn't mind attention, "They didn't ask for this life," reinforcing the couple's desire for privacy.

While celebrating the 35th anniversary of the film at the Long Beach Terrace Theater during his "A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin" tour, Culkin revealed that his children still have not recognized him as the 10-year-old hero they watch on screen.

Culkin explained that the family watches "Home Alone" together "often," and the boys enjoy the film without making the connection. He told the audience that experiencing the movie with them is "a completely different experience," adding:

"They have no idea that I'm Kevin. They're only three and four years old."

Even when they spot Kevin in montages or previews while browsing Disney+, Culkin said the boys simply cheer for the character without realizing they are watching their father. Although his older son has begun noticing similarities, he has not fully figured it out yet. Culkin recalled showing Dakota a childhood photo featuring all seven Culkin siblings; Dakota pointed at young Macaulay and said, "That kid looks like Kevin," before quickly moving on.

Culkin said he hopes to preserve the playful mystery for as long as possible. He also shared that Dakota sometimes pretends he's the one who chased away the burglars, proudly recalling scenes from the film as if they were his own memories. Moments like these, Culkin said, make watching the movie with his sons especially meaningful: "I do really love watching that movie with my boys."

For Culkin, watching "Home Alone" with his children has added unexpected humor and tenderness to a role that defined his early life. He shared one moment when Dakota insisted he remembered kicking out burglars, sliding down stairs, and outsmarting thieves—confidently claiming Kevin's adventures as his own. Culkin laughed as he retold the story, joking, "You liar! That was me."

Culkin said that watching Kevin's adventures with Dakota and Carson brings him a sense of nostalgia mixed with new delight—the special kind that comes from seeing a childhood story through the eyes of his own children.

apost.com

Culkin's story shows how nostalgia becomes even sweeter through a child's eyes. Which film do you enjoy watching with the next generation in your family? Pass this along to someone who still smiles while watching "Home Alone."