How did Macaulay Culkin land a cameo in Running Point Episode 9? Here's what we know

Macaulay Culkin making a cameo in Brenda Song
Macaulay Culkin making a cameo in Brenda Song's show...AS A BILLIE EILISH STAN. ( Image via X / @Netflix )

Macaulay Culkin's unexpected cameo appearance in Running Point Episode 9 shocked a large number of fans. His guest appearance as a vocal basketball fan in the Netflix sports comedy series became a topic of discussion, and fans were guessing how he ended up on the show.

As Running Point actress Brenda Song explained, Culkin's visit was an impromptu idea. According to People, she said,

"He was just on set and he was joking about, ‘Oh, I'm just going to sneak in the background and not say or do anything, We thought that'd be funny. And then there was a heckler [character] and they're like, ‘Well, do you want to be the heckler?"

Originally set to be a cameo appearance in the background, the role then developed into a speaking role based on the natural progression of discussions on set. Culkin's visit was not planned but an impromptu turn that brought a sense of surprise into the show.


The history of the cameo in Running Point

Macaulay Culkin disclosed that he was shooting a visit with Brenda Song on set when his cameo was conceived. The original plan was to weave him into the background quietly as an Easter egg for observant viewers. But as the idea took shape, the producers opted to have him in the scene with a line of dialogue.

According to People, Brenda added,

"It was supposed to be just him in the background and Easter egg for us and then it just snowballed, So it happened on the fly, to be honest."

In Season 9 of Running Point, Culkin's character interrupts a game, yelling, "Where's Billie Eilish?!" This was a short but memorable moment that helped create the humor of the episode and provided a surprise for watchers. His read on the line, plus the iconic presence he brings, made the scene all the more memorable.


Context of Running Point

Running Point is a comedy sports series about Isla Gordon, played by Kate Hudson, who finds herself suddenly appointed president of the Los Angeles Waves basketball team. The series follows her navigating professional and personal issues amidst the intricacies of the sporting world. The series combines comedy with real issues that executives in the professional sporting industry have to contend with, hence making it a great watch for viewers.

Culkin's cameo in Running Point fits the show's humor and surprise moments, giving a familiar face in a funny situation. His guest appearance on the show adds extra entertainment for viewers who may not have expected to see him in this setting.


Previous collaborations between Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin

Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song have dated since 2017 and got engaged in 2022. The two had also collaborated earlier, with Culkin making a cameo on Song's show Dollface in 2019. The two are also child stars, creating a close personal and working relationship.

Culkin and Song's working relationship has consistently been the focus of media attention, with fans appreciating their chemistry both in and out of the office. Their collaboration in minor, lighthearted roles points to their shared humor and commitment to helping each other's careers. Although Culkin has largely retired from acting in recent years, his cameo appearances in Song's productions indicate that he still gets a kick out of being involved in the entertainment industry on an informal basis.


Audience reception and impact

Audiences welcomed Culkin's cameo in Running Point, providing a surprising but amusing twist to the episode. The fans of both Running Point and the actor enjoyed the light-heartedness of his appearance. The moment was a pleasant addition to the show without overpowering the central plot.

A lot of viewers turned to social media to share their excitement at seeing Culkin in the show. His appearance generated buzz on the internet, with fans wondering if he could have more such guest appearances on the show.

A fan tweeted, "I loved it but the first time I had to rewind it to make sure it was him"
"Macaulay and Brenda? Count me in, fam!" said yet another

Macaulay Culkin's cameo appearance in Running Point was the product of a spontaneous idea that took off on location. What began as a cameo background appearance evolved into a short but memorable speaking role. His surprise appearance contributed to the lighthearted and humorous tone of the series, so his scene was one of the standouts in Episode 9.

Watchers are able to get a glimpse of this exchange in Season 9 of Running Point on Netflix. While whether or not Culkin makes a future appearance is unclear, this cameo is bound to be one of the lasting impressions on watchers of Running Point as well as mere viewers in general.

Also read: What happened to Lev Levenson in Running Point? Details explored

Running Point: Release date, cast and more about Netflix's upcoming spots comedy series starring Kate Hudson

Edited by Sohini Biswas
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