Daniel Stern Turned His Home Alone 2 Pay Dispute Into A Million-Dollar Opportunity

Daniel Stern scored a windfall from his Home Alone deal.

Damjan

• Published in Film & TV
• December 27, 2024

Daniel Stern, known for his unforgettable role as the bumbling burglar Marv in Home Alone, is a familiar face to fans who grew up watching the holiday classic. While his performance in the movie still has audiences laughing decades later, Stern's behind-the-scenes savvy truly sets him apart.

The actor made a deal that would ensure long-term financial success far beyond the typical Hollywood paycheck. When Home Alone became an international sensation upon its release in 1990, it was no surprise that a sequel was in the works. 

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was quickly greenlit, and Stern was approached to reprise his role as the clumsy thief alongside Joe Pesci and Macaulay Culkin. However, when Stern learned that his co-stars were set to make significantly more money than him, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

The actor had a sharp understanding of his value to the movie, knowing that the film would likely struggle without his character’s memorable antics. Initially excited about the project, Stern soon realized that while Pesci was slated to make $3 million and Culkin, the main star, was set for $5 million plus a percentage of the film's gross, his pay wasn’t even close.

Stern wasn't happy with this situation, especially when it seemed his role could be just as crucial to the film’s success. He fired his agent and decided to negotiate directly with the studio.

"Home alone"

Instead of accepting a smaller salary, Stern used his industry knowledge to push for a better deal. He requested a raise to $1.5 million, but more importantly, he sought a royalty clause.

Stern was determined to secure a percentage of the movie’s earnings, which, given the first film's success, could amount to millions over time. Negotiations were tense, and at one point, the studio reportedly asked him to start filming without a finalized contract.

Stern held his ground, and eventually, both parties agreed to a one percent royalty clause and an increased salary.

Daniel Stern secured a clause in his Home Alone 2 contract that guaranteed him millions in royalties.

While Stern has never publicly revealed the exact amount he earned, the film's impressive box office success makes it clear that his gamble paid off. Home Alone 2 grossed $173.6 million in the United States and Canada and $185.3 million internationally, bringing its total to approximately $359 million.

If Stern’s royalty deal held, his earnings from the movie could easily have reached millions of dollars. While the exact figure is speculative, it's believed that the actor's royalties could have amounted to $3.5 million or more over time.

The Home Alone sequel went on to become a huge box-office hit, grossing over $350 million worldwide.

Despite this financial windfall, Home Alone 2 wasn’t without its critics. The movie struggled to meet the high expectations set by the original.

Some critics felt it was merely a rehash of the first film, lacking originality and relying on recycled jokes. Others pointed out that the slapstick violence, which had been playful in the first movie, was more extreme in the sequel, which some viewers found distasteful.

The film only received a 35 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with some calling it an overblown parody lacking its predecessor's charm.

Stern's contract included 1% of the movie's gross profits and a $1.5 million salary.

However, for Stern, the royalties from Home Alone 2 opened up new opportunities in his life. With the financial freedom he had gained, the actor stepped away from Hollywood to pursue other passions.

In a surprising twist, Stern revealed his love for sculpting in a TikTok video that quickly went viral, earning over 2.1 million views. Fans were surprised to learn that Stern had transitioned into a peaceful life on a farm, where he grows tangerines, raises cattle, and creates sculptures.

Home Alone 2 earned $359 million globally, significantly boosting Stern's earnings.

The actor now lives on a farm and creates bronze sculptures, focusing on pieces for gardens and living rooms.

In the video, Stern showcased his work on a sculpture titled Dancer On A Chair, which depicts a woman in a sequined dress striking a graceful pose. He spoke about the meticulous process involved in perfecting the details, joking about how it was the result of "OCD behavior."

Stern's fans were delighted to discover this new side of the actor, with many expressing admiration for his artistic talents. On his official website, Stern displays a variety of sculptures created using a detailed method that involves sketching, modeling with clay, making a mold, and casting in bronze.

"Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) Trailer"

Stern’s work has garnered attention, and he charges up to $35,000 for custom-made pieces, allowing clients to discuss their preferences via FaceTime. The actor’s new life as an artist has given him a fresh sense of purpose, and his fans, some of whom had grown up watching him in Home Alone, have shown great support. Many were surprised by his artistic talent, and some joked about his new role as a "clay bandit."

Fans seized the opportunity to praise the actor for securing his royalties and expressed gratitude for the years of entertainment he brought through his role in Home Alone.

"My favorite actor."

" He turned his life around!"

“Earned it!”

Stern’s decision to take control of his contract negotiations in the early '90s proved smart. While critics may have dismissed Home Alone 2 as a lesser sequel, Stern’s financial acumen and willingness to stand firm in his beliefs allowed him to profit handsomely from the movie’s success.

Now, as a sculptor and farmer, Stern’s career has taken a new direction, proving there is more to him than just playing a comedic burglar. Stern has found new avenues for expression and success through his creativity and business savvy, showing that even Hollywood stars can evolve into something entirely different.

Damjan