The Goonies at 40: The Tale Behind the Legendary 80s Adventure

      Hasitha Fernando examines the story behind The Goonies as it commemorates its 40th anniversary…

      The Goonies is a film that captured our imaginations as children and continues to ensnare audiences with its enchanting nostalgia to this day. As this unforgettable adventure comedy marks its 40th anniversary, we reflect on the behind-the-scenes events that shaped this iconic movie…

      Chris Columbus was recognized and brought on board by Steven Spielberg

      As a filmmaker, Chris Columbus is a well-known name in the industry thanks to projects like Home Alone, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. However, in the early 1980s, he was just an emerging talent whose short film, created while studying at NYU, called “I Think I’m Going to Like It Here,” caught the attention of Steven Spielberg years later. Impressed by Columbus's potential, Spielberg expressed interest in purchasing the young writer's script for the horror comedy Gremlins. After the film's critical and commercial success, Columbus was invited to join Amblin Entertainment, where he developed the screenplays for The Goonies and Young Sherlock Holmes. He drew inspiration for The Goonies from his own childhood spent in a factory town in Ohio, where he often explored abandoned coal mines during summer.

      Richard Donner faced challenges directing his young cast members

      Richard Donner started his career in television before realizing his true calling as a director. Over his TV career, he worked on twenty-five series including The Fugitive, The Man from U.N.C.L.E, Gilligan’s Island, Kojak, and The Twilight Zone. However, he achieved his greatest success with blockbuster films like The Omen, Superman: The Movie, and the Lethal Weapon series. While Donner had extensive experience working with adult actors, The Goonies posed a new challenge—directing child actors. In the documentary “The Making of The Goonies,” he discussed both the joys and challenges of working with a group of young talents, praising their energetic contributions while also acknowledging their unruliness during certain scenes.

      A full-sized replica of a pirate ship was built for the film

      A full-scale replica of One-Eyed Willy’s ship was constructed at Stage 16, one of the tallest soundstages globally, located at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. J. Michael Riva, the production designer known for his work on films like Lethal Weapon, The Color Purple, Iron Man, and Django Unchained, oversaw the creation of this massive set. To capture the authentic reactions of the main cast upon seeing the ship for the first time, director Richard Donner prohibited them from viewing Riva’s design beforehand. However, Donner's plans went awry when a stunned Josh Brolin exclaimed “Fuck!” upon seeing the ship's grandeur, prompting the need to reshoot that scene. After filming concluded, the producers offered the massive pirate ship set to anyone interested, but there were no takers, resulting in its complete dismantling. Donner kept One-Eyed Willy’s head and a model of the ship as mementos.

      The film features prominent stars before they were famous

      Saying that The Goonies includes future major stars is an understatement. Sean Astin, who would later portray Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings, plays Mikey Walsh, the asthmatic leader of The Goonies. Josh Brolin, now a highly sought-after actor in Hollywood, plays Mikey’s athletic brother, Brand Walsh, marking his feature film debut. Ke Huy Quan, who earned widespread acclaim for his role as Waymond Wang in 2022's Everything Everywhere All At Once, plays Richard “Data” Wang, the inventor in this eclectic group.

      Robert Davi and Joe Pantoliano had a contentious relationship even off-screen

      In the film, the Fratellis are a notorious family of Italian criminals based in Astoria, Oregon, led by the fierce Mama Fratelli. The two brothers in this villainous family are portrayed by Robert Davi and Joe Pantoliano, who notably did not get along in real life, but their lively banter helped secure their roles during auditions. Davi, a trained opera singer, proposed singing the aria “Una furtiva lagrima” from Donizetti’s opera “L’elisir d’amore” in a scene featuring his character Jake and his brother Sloth.

      Jeff Cohen arrived on set despite having chickenpox

      Jeff Cohen was a successful child actor before shifting to a career in law, which he believed would benefit him in the entertainment field. Playing “Chunk” in The Goonies, Cohen contracted chickenpox shortly after his casting. Unfazed by his illness, he still reported to work, fearing the producers might recast him if he missed filming. The chickenpox scars are slightly visible on his chest during the “Tr