If you’re a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise, you might have noticed that Dana Barron, who played Audrey Griswold in the first movie, was not in the sequel, European Vacation. Many fans have wondered why Barron didn’t reprise her role. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Barron’s absence.
Recasting Audrey
One of the most significant changes in European Vacation was the recasting of Audrey Griswold. Instead of Dana Barron, actress Dana Hill played the role. This change surprised and disappointed many fans who had grown to love Barron’s portrayal of Audrey.
Why Was Dana Barron Replaced?
There are a few different theories as to why Dana Barron was replaced in European Vacation. One theory is that she was simply too old for the role by the time filming began.
The first movie was released in 1983, and European Vacation came out just two years later in 1985. It’s possible that Barron had aged out of playing a teenager convincingly.
Another theory is that there were creative differences between Barron and the filmmakers. In an interview with The A.V.
Club, Barron revealed that she had clashed with director Harold Ramis during filming for the first movie. She claimed that Ramis had asked her to play Audrey as “a caricature” and that she had pushed back against his direction.
The Impact of Recasting
Regardless of why Dana Barron wasn’t in European Vacation, her absence had a significant impact on fans’ perceptions of the film. Many viewers felt that something was missing without her presence as Audrey.
In recent years, there has been renewed interest in Dana Barron’s performance as Audrey Griswold. She reprised her role for a cameo appearance in 2003’s Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure and has made appearances at fan conventions and events.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Dana Barron’s absence from European Vacation was disappointing for fans, there are a few different theories as to why she wasn’t cast. Whether due to creative differences or age, the recasting of Audrey Griswold had a significant impact on the film. Despite this, Barron has remained a beloved figure in the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise.