Given the current craze of remaking and rebooting popular movies from the 1980s, it is no surprise that there have long been rumors about a potential Goonies comeback. Corey Feldman gave credence to those reports earlier this year, revealing that he had worked with fellow Goonies star Sean Astin to present a pitch for Goonies 2. However, that pitch now appears to be another one consigned to the Hollywood scrapheap.
Feldman has reiterated that Goonies 2 would only ever be made with the original cast and director reprising their roles. That would require calling up Chris Columbus and Steven Spielberg to develop the story, motivating the now 89-year-old director Richard Donner to take the wheel, and finding time in schedules to bring stars like Astin and Josh Brolin back together. This prompted Feldman to apologetically tell reporters that there is currently nothing in the works for a sequel.
There had been encouraging signs for a sequel in the past. In 2007, Astin called it an absolute certainty, while in 2014 Donner expressed his hope that years of work would finally culminate in a sequel featuring the entire original cast. However, it is now clear that getting everyone together in one room, for a sequel released well over 30 years after its predecessor, may prove a near-impossible task.
Still, The Goonies doesn’t necessarily need a sequel that could potentially tarnish its current legacy. The 1985 movie is a major player in the ‘cult classic’ category, which is the reason why so many people have clamored for a sequel. Those disappointed by Feldman putting suggestions of a sequel to rest can content themselves by heading back to Astoria via other types of modern Goonies media.
More than Cinema
The iconic cult classic traverses more than just the big screen. For example, the LEGO Dimensions series features all sorts of cultural touchstones, so it is no surprise that players can acquire a Sloth minifigure to bring into the action. Furthermore, Casino Wings’ guide allows you to compare sites easily, with the two top-rated casino sites in the UK both offering The Goonies online slot. This game uses classic characters and themes from the original film, bringing a 1980s charm to the reels.
The Goonies: Return to Astoria is a Flash game that operates as a pseudo-sequel to the movie, but it now seems highly unlikely that The Goonies will ever receive a proper cinematic follow-up. It is all the more disappointing for fans, given the number of film franchises from the 1980s that have kept running in the 21st century.
The Terminator – 1984 – sixth film Terminator: Dark Fate released in 2019
Blade Runner – 1982 – sequel Blade Runner 2049 released in 2017
Ghostbusters – 1984 – rebooted in 2016
Top Gun – 1986 – sequel Top Gun: Maverick set for release in 2020
The Evil Dead – 1981 – spinoff TV series Ash vs Evil Dead released in 2015
Some reboots and sequels are successful, while others alienate fans of the originals. It would have been easy for some of The Goonies cast to have returned to cash in on the huge success of the original, but everyone has remained true to the idea of collective effort. While more time spent with those classic characters would be welcomed, with no sequel there is no risk of losing the magic of that 1985 hit.