The Goonies (1985) has been a fan-favorite ever since it’s release, and many of the actors who featured in the film have gone on to have long and successful acting careers. One of them is Josh Brolin, who recalled his on-set experience during production; Steven Spielberg, who directed the movie, shut him down – and he was right to do so!
Josh Brolin’s first big role was in The Goonies (1985)
The Goonies is an adventure-comedy film directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg. The plot follows a group of kids from the “Goon Docks” neighborhood of Astoria, Oregon, who stumble upon a treasure map leading to the hidden fortune of the legendary 17th-century pirate, One-Eyed Willy.
In a bid to save their homes from foreclosure, the youngsters – Mikey Walsh (Sean Astin), Brandon “Brand” Walsh (Josh Brolin), Lawrence “Chunk” Cohen (Jeff Cohen), Richard “Data” Wang (Ke Huy Quan) and Clark “Mouth” Devereaux (Corey Feldman) – embark on a quest that pits them against the criminal Fratelli family. They encounter booby traps and underground caverns, and present audiences with unforgettable moments of friendship and bravery.
The Goonies was a commercial success, grossing over $125 million at the box office against a budget of approximately $19 million. It quickly became a cult classic, gaining nostalgic value and becoming a quintessential ’80s movie that continues to entertain new generations.
Steven Spielberg shut down Josh Brolin
Josh Brolin was just 16 years old when he got the part of Brand, the high school jock and older brother of Mikey, in The Goonies. It served as his first film role and, as such, he’s never forgotten about his experiences on set.
Speaking to PEOPLE for the release of his memoir, From Under the Truck, Brolin recalled how Steven Spielberg shut down his approach to the character. He tried to come at the role in a super intellectual way, with him explaining, “I think [my character] Brandon is freaking out, and the tunnels represent the inside of his mother’s womb, and he’s trying to cut that umbilical cord.”
Spielberg was having none of it. “He looked at me, and he goes, ‘Yeah, just act. Just say what’s on the page,'” Brolin revealed. “He wasn’t being an a******, he was right.”
The Goonies (1985) was a critical film in Josh Brolin’s career
Being the son of legendary actor James Brolin, it was almost a given Josh Brolin would follow the same career path. However, as it was his first movie acting credit, it’s no surprise he describes his role in The Goonies as “probably the greatest experience of my life.”
As he told PEOPLE, “That was the moment at 16 years old which never should have happened. I had been kicked out of my house. I went to go live on the couch of my dad, who was living with someone at the time, like, I’ve got to get my s*** together. And then going through 350 or whatever auditions and people saying, ‘You should definitely find a different profession. You’re not good at this.’ And loving that challenge.”
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Clearly, Brolin was good at it and has been acting in major films ever since. What can we say, acting’s in his blood!