Why Is Russ Younger in Christmas Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

Have you ever watched the classic Christmas movie, “Christmas Vacation,” and wondered why Rusty Griswold is suddenly younger than he was in the previous films? Fans of the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies were left puzzled when they saw a noticeably younger actor playing Rusty, as opposed to the older one from the previous movies. In this article, we will explore why Rusty was portrayed by a different actor in “Christmas Vacation” and how it affected the movie.

Who is Rusty Griswold?

Rusty Griswold is a recurring character in the National Lampoon’s Vacation movie series. He is the son of Clark and Ellen Griswold, played by Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo, respectively.

Rusty was first introduced in 1983’s “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” where he was portrayed by Anthony Michael Hall. The character of Rusty has been played by various actors in different films in the series.

The Change

In “Christmas Vacation,” Rusty was played by Johnny Galecki, who was significantly younger than Anthony Michael Hall. So why did they recast the role?

The answer lies in timing. The filming of “Christmas Vacation” began just as Hall was starting his role on “Saturday Night Live.” This meant that he was unable to commit to filming for an extended period, which led to Galecki being cast as Rusty.

The Impact

The change in actors playing Rusty had a significant impact on “Christmas Vacation.” With Galecki taking over the role, there had to be some changes made to accommodate his age.

In previous movies, Rusty was portrayed as a preteen or teenager; however, with Galecki now playing him, he appeared much younger. As a result, some scenes were rewritten or cut altogether to better fit his age.

The Future of Rusty Griswold

Following “Christmas Vacation,” Rusty Griswold was played by Ethan Embry in “Vegas Vacation” and Ed Helms in the 2015 reboot, “Vacation.” Interestingly, both actors portrayed Rusty as an adult with children of his own. This decision to age the character was likely made to avoid any confusion and inconsistencies in the series.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rusty Griswold is a beloved character in the National Lampoon’s Vacation movie series. While it may have been jarring for fans to see a younger actor portraying him in “Christmas Vacation,” it was a necessary change due to scheduling conflicts.

The impact of this change was felt throughout the movie, with some scenes being altered or removed altogether. However, it ultimately did not affect the overall success of the film or the legacy of Rusty Griswold as a character.