Catherine O’Hara reveals why she took way less money for 'Home Alone' sequel: 'Condense it'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Catherine O’Hara’s role as Kevin McCallister’s frantic mother in the 'Home Alone' franchise is unforgettable.

However, the actress has revealed that she voluntarily took a significant pay cut for the sequel, 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.'

Catherine O’Hara on negotiating her contract

During a recent appearance on TheWrap’s 'UnWrapped' podcast, Catherine O’Hara shared that she prioritized a shorter filming schedule and took "way less money” over a higher paycheck when negotiating her contract for the second movie.

O’Hara explained that while she plays a studio head-turned-producer in her new Apple TV+ series 'The Studio,' she has had limited interactions with real-life studio executives.

“My main contact with studio heads is when you’re negotiating at the beginning, and try to get a good deal, and try to get a good schedule, and — you know, condense my work,” Catherine O’Hara said.

“Just condense. I’ll take less money. Condense it, please. I hate hanging around and not working," she said.

She noted that she dislikes waiting around on set when she isn’t filming, which played a significant role in her decision for the sequel.

Catherine O’Hara recalls waiting around on 'Home Alone' set

Reflecting on her experience filming the original 1990 movie, Catherine O’Hara recalled how long she spent on set without working due to unpredictable schedule changes.

"In the first movie, I was there for a long time … and it was pre-cell phones, right? So I’d be at a mall or something, and I have to find a pay phone, and I’d call the First AD,” said O’Hara.

“I said, ‘Do you need me?’ And if they were outdoors and they couldn’t get the shot, and they need to move inside for another scene, then they go, ‘Yeah, we’re gonna pick you up. Where are you? We’re gonna pick you up. We need you,'” she added.

She recalled waiting around for long hours in Chicago, where the film was shot, and decided she did not want to go through that again for the sequel.

Catherine O’Hara opens up on 'Home Alone 2'

When she was offered a substantial paycheck for a three-month filming commitment for 'Home Alone 2,' Catherine O’Hara opted for a different arrangement.

“So the second one, they offered, you know, a nice chunk of money for a three-month kind of commitment. I said ‘ehh,’” said Catherine O’Hara, miming a request to shorten it. “And they condensed it for me!”

Although she did not remember exactly how much shorter her filming schedule ended up being, she estimated it was reduced to about a month instead of three.

“I just don’t like hanging around and doing nothing,” said O’Hara.