Macaulay Culkin recently revealed that his four-year-old son, Dakota, genuinely believes he —not his father—is the iconic Kevin McCallister from the 1990 holiday classic, Home Alone. This isn’t just a passing phase; Dakota confidently recounts “being” Kevin, including sliding down stairs and kicking burglars out.
A Child’s Unwavering Belief
During Culkin’s “A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin” tour, commemorating the film’s 35th anniversary, he shared how his sons, Dakota and three-year-old Carson, frequently watch the movie. But Dakota’s connection goes deeper than simple enjoyment; he fully identifies as the character.
Culkin recounted asking his son about iconic scenes, such as kicking burglars, to which Dakota replied matter-of-factly, “Yep.” When questioned about sliding down the stairs, he affirmed, “I sure do.” This has led Culkin to playfully correct him: “You liar! That was me.”
Maintaining the Illusion
Culkin admits he’s intentionally prolonging this fantasy. Despite Dakota eventually starting to question his father’s role, Culkin continues to reinforce the idea. When shown a photo of Culkin’s seven siblings, Dakota immediately pointed out one who “looks like Kevin.”
Culkin’s commitment extends beyond the film itself. He’s told his sons he helps Santa fix toys at the North Pole, claiming he’s “so good that Santa Claus called me up.” Dakota accepts this explanation without question.
The Power of Nostalgia & Childhood Imagination
This story highlights the remarkable power of nostalgia and the boundless imagination of young children. Home Alone has become a generational touchstone, and for Dakota, the lines between reality and fantasy have blurred, creating a uniquely adorable delusion.
“Dakota thinks he’s Kevin,” Culkin shared, and he has no intention of correcting him anytime soon.
This playful dynamic underscores how easily children absorb and internalize stories, sometimes to the point of believing they were part of them. It also demonstrates the joy of shared experiences; Culkin cherishes these moments with his sons, creating their own holiday traditions.
The fact that Culkin is leaning into this misconception is a testament to his commitment to nurturing his children’s sense of wonder and ensuring their belief in magic lasts as long as possible.
