This Goonies Never Got a Sequel, but the Franchise Could Still Return

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This Goonies Never Got a Sequel, but the Franchise Could Still Return

Summary

  • The lasting popularity of
    The Goonies
    has resulted in massive profits through rentals, streaming, and merchandise sales.
  • A sequel to
    The Goonies
    faces obstacles due to outdated character portrayals and the challenges of bringing back the original cast.
  • While a sequel may be inevitable, Spielberg’s high standards and the risk of disappointing fans could prevent its development.

The article discusses the possibility of a Goonies sequel and the challenges involved in making one. The original cast, including Sean Astin and Josh Brolin, are still active in Hollywood, but bringing them back together for a sequel may not be easy due to the intellectual property rights being closely guarded by Steven Spielberg and Warner Bros.

Among fans in the age group of 35-to-50-year-olds, there might not be a more beloved cult classic than Richard Donner’s 1985 film “The Goonies.” At any revivalist rock concert, you’re bound to spot a few “Goonies Never Say Die” T-shirts among the crowd. Joking about Slick Shoes or Chester Copperpot with your local barista is sure to elicit a hearty laugh. Naming my fantasy football team “Truffle Shuffle” is an instant hit in my league, and everyone gets the reference. In the ’80s, “The Goonies” grossed a cool $125 million at the box office, but the revenues from rentals, streaming, and merchandise have amplified that profit exponentially due to its enduring popularity.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been pondering the latest news about the beloved game series I follow. The original cast has grown out of their roles, and sadly, director Richard Donner passed away in 2021. However, the mastermind behind the scenes was none other than Steven Spielberg. He produced the film and developed its story, with some speculating that he was the actual director, giving Donner credit for his exceptional work with child actors. With Spielberg still actively involved in the industry and a massive fanbase eagerly anticipating a sequel, it feels like only a matter of time before we see a reboot or continuation of this cherished franchise.

The Obstacles to Making Goonies 2

Initially, producing a sequel to the beloved film comes with various challenges. One of the most significant hurdles is the representation of Sloth, a former fan favorite due to his unique character traits, which include facial deformities and simplified speech. This portrayal might be perceived as outdated and insensitive in today’s societal context. Another concern is Lawrence “Chunk” Cohen, whose comedic performances were pivotal to the original’s success. However, many of his jokes revolved around his weight, which could be seen as problematic in the current cultural climate. Jeff Cohen, who brought Chunk to life on screen, now leads a quiet life as a lawyer and has not acted since the 1980s.

Prior to his passing, Richard Donner showed indecisiveness regarding a Goonies sequel. At one point, he, Spielberg, and Chris Columbus tried to brainstorm ideas for a follow-up, only to discover that it would be excessively challenging. Later in 2014, Donner shared with TMZ his intentions of reuniting the entire original cast. Had Donner pursued this project seriously, his efforts might have been buried with him three years ago.

Sean Astin Thinks a Sequel Is Inevitable, but Spielberg May Not

This Goonies Never Got a Sequel, but the Franchise Could Still ReturnThis Goonies Never Got a Sequel, but the Franchise Could Still ReturnThis Goonies Never Got a Sequel, but the Franchise Could Still Return

Sean Astin, known for his role as Mikey Walsh in “The Goonies,” is confident that a sequel is inevitable based on his statement in 2012 to IGN: “I’m 100% positive there will be a sequel. I would even wager my children on it.” However, with the valuable intellectual property rights of “The Goonies” controlled by Spielberg and owned by Warner Bros., the decision to greenlight a sequel ultimately lies in their hands.

Steven Spielberg, much like his longtime friend and collaborator Robert Zemeckis on “Back to the Future,” may be reluctant to tarnish the original film’s legacy with a subpar sequel or reboot out of respect for its enduring popularity. The less-than-warm reception to recent reboots, such as those of the “Ghostbusters” franchise, might not sway Spielberg into investing in a “Goonies” sequel. Their expectations are exceptionally high. However, it’s entirely plausible that plans for reimagining the original film are underway, but Spielberg and his team at Amblin, DreamWorks, and Warner are maintaining secrecy.

How a Goonies Sequel Might Work

This Goonies Never Got a Sequel, but the Franchise Could Still ReturnThis Goonies Never Got a Sequel, but the Franchise Could Still ReturnThis Goonies Never Got a Sequel, but the Franchise Could Still Return

Considering a follow-up with the original cast is challenging yet feasible. Sean Astin and Josh Brolin remain prominent figures in Hollywood and continue to act regularly. Ke Huy Quan, who was once Data, recently experienced a remarkable comeback after winning an Oscar for his role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” following an extended acting hiatus of 19 years. Corey Feldman, known for his character Mouth, could potentially be brought back as well, despite his career taking a more questionable path since his “Goonies” days. Martha Plimpton, Joe Pantoliano, and Robert Davi are all active in the industry today.

A plausible approach could be a sequel that revives the Goonies franchise in Astoria, Oregon, with the original cast playing the roles of parents to a new group of Goonies. This strategy was successfully implemented in “Creed,” allowing Sylvester Stallone’s character to age gracefully while still being involved in the story. Sloth could be mentioned in “Goonies 2” as a missing character, and it’s intriguing to imagine what became of One-Eyed Willy’s ship after it was freed from its cave and set sail into the Pacific Ocean.

Despite the surge of reboots and sequels in theaters and streaming services today, it’s a possibility we must confront: The Goonies may be impervious to change. Numerous attempts at reviving ’80s classics have fallen flat, and producing a successful sequel years after the original is an uncommon feat (as demonstrated by Top Gun: Maverick). Ultimately, these choices rely on financial considerations. In the context of a Goonies sequel, one can always hope – Stream The Goonies on AppleTV+.

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2024-07-14 22:31