Following word from Richard Donner that a sequel to the beloved 1985 film The Goonies was (still) in the works, comes a notable update about the project. Steven Spielberg, who executive produced and was credited for the story of the original film is apparently the mastermind behind the idea for the sequel. This, according to Richard Donner, who was, once again, questioned by TMZ. Exactly how involved Spielberg is or would be in Goonies 2 seems as vague as pretty much everything else about the project, but here's the video that includes Donner's recent comments:
Richard Donner sparked renewed buzz about the Goonies sequel when he commented about it earlier this month, and the new video gives us a bit more information to work with, mainly as it relates to Steven Spielberg's involvement. As /Film points out, it's a little odd the way Donner answers the questions he's asked about the followup this time around, and that's certainly worth noting, in terms of how we should interpret exactly what he's saying here. First, he seemingly jokingly pretends not to know what the reporter is asking, and then passes off the question by saying, "You'd have to ask Steven."
After confirming that Steven Spielberg is "of course" involved in the sequel, Donner gets noticeably more chatty about the project, stating, "Steven came up with the idea of doing a sequel after thirty years." He goes on to confirm that "it was his idea." And Donner also notes, "We've been trying for a while," before adding. "And then he came up with another story line. He's right on."
While the timeline of events as far as the conception and development of this project seems a bit fuzzy by Donner's wording, it's not news that a Goonies sequel has been a possibility for a while. But it sounds like they might actually have something worth working with, thanks to Spielberg's story idea.
As for the cast, nothing sounds certain as far as who might return, but it does sound like the sequel would aim to involve the original characters as Donner says "God knows, it's up to them. If they have any sense they will, if they don't they won't." The original cast included Josh Brolin, Sean Astin, Martha Plimpton and Corey Feldman.
I'm a lot of things, including an optimist and a former child of the 80s who grew up believing kids could accomplish anything if they cared enough, thanks to movies like E.T. and The Goonies. So, while I'm inclined to be hopeful that Goonies 2 would tap into the heart and soul of the original, delivering another adventurous tale about a bunch of kids in search of treasure that inspires a new generation of kids, I'm just as wary as the next guy that cashing in on nostalgia might be the real priority here. However, I'm reserving judgment until we start to hear details about the story for Goonies 2, as it sounds like Steven Spielberg's idea for it may have played a big part in the project coming back to life. And given the choice between a sequel of some sort and an all-out remake, I'm inclined to think the former idea is the better approach. But enough about my opinions, where do you stand?
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