Why Didnt Anthony Michael Hall Do European Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

In 1985, the National Lampoon’s “Vacation” franchise released its second installment, “European Vacation.” While Chevy Chase reprised his role as Clark Griswold, the lead actor in the first film, Anthony Michael Hall, did not return to play Rusty Griswold. Fans of the original movie were left wondering why one of the main characters was absent from the sequel.

Behind-The-Scenes Drama:

Rumors circulated that Anthony Michael Hall didn’t return for European Vacation due to conflicts with his schedule. However, that wasn’t necessarily true.

In reality, Hall was offered a chance to play a larger role in another film – “Weird Science.” He jumped at the opportunity and left the “Vacation” franchise behind.

Who Played Rusty in European Vacation?

After Hall’s departure, producers chose Jason Lively for the role of Rusty Griswold. While Lively may not be as well-known as Hall, he still had a successful career in Hollywood after his appearance in “European Vacation.”

Why Did They Choose Jason Lively?

Lively had previously worked with Chevy Chase on a TV movie and had already established a rapport with him. In addition, producers felt that Lively resembled Hall and would be able to fill his shoes adequately.

The Fallout:

Hall’s decision to leave “Vacation” didn’t hurt his career at all. In fact, he went on to star in numerous successful films such as “The Breakfast Club” and “Weird Science.” However, some fans have always wondered what European Vacation would have been like if Anthony Michael Hall had returned to play Rusty Griswold.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Anthony Michael Hall’s absence from European Vacation wasn’t due to scheduling conflicts as previously rumored. Instead, he chose to pursue a different opportunity. While Jason Lively did a commendable job portraying Rusty Griswold in the film, some fans will always wonder what could have been if Hall had returned to reprise his role.