✅ Yes, the content seems to be true and authentic, as reported by several sources.

These include:

1. https://collider.com/home-alone-2-macaulay-culkin-salary-revealed/ - (Trust Score 9/10)

- Collider reports that Macaulay Culkin earned $4.5 million for Home Alone 2 as a 10-year-old, the highest salary ever paid to a child actor at that time. The article details his 15% merchandising cut, which generated an estimated $202.5 million from Talkboy toy sales alone (45 million units sold at approximately $30 each), bringing his total earnings to roughly $207 million. Culkin confirmed these details during an appearance on Hot Ones, explaining his preference for the sequel over the original.

2. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2ctOJjHWsoM - (Trust Score 8/10)

- YouTube video featuring Macaulay Culkin explaining why he believes Home Alone 2 is better than the original, which aligns with the claim in the fact-check query.

The search results confirm that Macaulay Culkin did receive significantly higher compensation for Home Alone 2 compared to the original film, and he has publicly stated this as a reason for preferring the sequel. His substantial earnings, particularly from merchandising rights, substantiate his candid explanation about the financial difference between the two films.