The 1994 remake of the 1947 classic starred Wilson as Susan Walker, alongside Sir Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle, Elizabeth Perkins as Dorey Walker and Dylan McDermott as Bryan Bedford. As Christmas approaches and the film is dug out in households around the world, Wilson has revealed her memories of being a young actor making the film.
Wilson famously opted not to follow acting into adulthood, but speaks fondly of her time making this festive favourite.
Some eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed a bit of an extra “smirk” on her face during the later trial scenes, in particular when she confronts judge Henry Harper (Robert Prosky) with a Christmas card and a dollar bill.
And speaking to Entertainment Weekly, she revealed why.
“The actor who plays the judge on Miracle [Robert Prosky] worked on Mrs. Doubtfire with me,” she said.
“I remember him doing a Donald Duck voice on that set and me just thinking it was hilarious.
“So when I had to do my scenes with him [on Miracle], it was this very serious scene that was an important part of the trial, I remember going up to him and doing my lines — and him doing all his lines back in a Donald Duck voice.
“That’s probably why, if you watch that scene, I’ve got this smirk on my face the whole time.”
Prosky, who also starred in the likes of Broadcast News, Mad City and The Natural, passed away in 2008 at the age of 77.
Wilson also spoke highly of Attenborough, saying: “He was so fun, and he really did feel like Santa Claus to me. He was so kind.
“He made it a really fun movie to work on — even though it was kind of ridiculous to be wearing three layers all the time in the Chicago spring.”
Miracle on 34th Street made $46 million on its original release in 1994 and had mixed reviews; achieving only a 59% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
But it’s safe to say it has more than stood the test of time.