Josh Brolin Recalls Note He Received From Steven Spielberg While Trying To Develop His Goonies Character: ‘He Was Right’

Josh Brolin Recalls Note He Received From Steven Spielberg While Trying To Develop His Goonies Character: ‘He Was Right’

As a gamer who has had the privilege of growing up alongside the silver screen, I can confidently say that The Goonies holds a special place in my heart, much like a cherished collectible from my gaming shelf. Josh Brolin’s journey, from his first big break as Brandon Walsh to his current status as a household name, is a tale of determination and resilience that resonates deeply with me.


Few films have left such an indelible mark on pop culture as The Goonies, a standout ’80s movie that continues to resonate with audiences today. Although it wasn’t entirely suitable for children, this timeless adventure helped catapult the careers of its young cast, among them Josh Brolin, who made his cinematic debut as Brandon Walsh and went on to build an extensive filmography. Eager to establish himself in the industry, Brolin, now known for his role as Thanos in Avengers: Endgame, immersed himself deeply into his character’s mind—often pushing boundaries. In a humorous anecdote, Brolin recounted how Steven Spielberg, who served as executive producer on the film, offered him some straightforward guidance that helped put his early method acting into perspective.

In a conversation with People magazine, Brolin shared that he put great effort into developing Brandon’s background, the older and caring yet protective brother of Mikey, portrayed by Sean Astin. Interestingly, the actor from Hail, Caesar! took the “protective” role quite seriously, exploring layers of metaphors and symbolism to define Brandon’s reasons for acting. He presented Spielberg with an intricate understanding of his character’s emotional landscape, but Spielberg’s immediate feedback highlighted the value of keeping things straightforward. As Brolin put it:

It seems to me that Brandon appears anxious, as if the tunnels symbolize his mother’s womb, and he’s attempting to break free by severing the metaphorical umbilical cord. When I looked at him, he said, “Just do it. Just say what’s written.” He wasn’t being rude; instead, he was correct.

Reflecting on it now, the actor from Deadpool 2 admitted that Steven Spielberg’s advice was absolutely right. For new actors like himself, keeping things straightforward is crucial, and Spielberg’s guidance served as a practical reminder early in his career. Instead of overanalyzing Brandon’s motivations, Spielberg urged him to rely on the script and deliver an authentic performance, a lesson he has carried with him throughout his acting experience.

At 56 years old, the star of Inherent Vice reflects that The Goonies was one of the most impactful experiences in his life. Although the cast of The Goonies have achieved significant success since then, at the time, Brolin was going through a difficult phase – he had been forced to leave home and was residing with his father, trying to find direction in his life. He remembers undergoing numerous auditions where he was frequently told that acting wasn’t for him. However, instead of being discouraged by these rejections, he found the challenge inspiring. Landing the role in The Goonies marked the turning point in his career and helped launch it forward.

In his upcoming autobiography titled “From Under the Truck“, Brolin provides an in-depth exploration of his life, revealing tales from both on-screen and off-screen experiences. He recounts his transformation from the character in “The Goonies” to his groundbreaking role in “No Country for Old Men“. Additionally, he offers insights into fatherhood, battles with addiction, and personal hardships. The book offers fans an unfiltered and intimate glimpse into the life of this actor, revealing both the triumphs and challenges throughout a career that has lasted nearly four decades.

Reflecting on his early days in “The Goonies”, it’s evident that Spielberg’s straightforward yet impactful guidance left a lasting mark on Brolin. Often, simply sticking to the character and having faith in the script can be enough to breathe life into a role. Lately, Josh Brolin played a part in the action film “Brothers” alongside Peter Dinklage, which is now streaming with an Amazon Prime membership.

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2024-11-13 17:37