Actor Josh Brolin Recalls His Failed Attempt to Impress Steven Spielberg on the Set of The Goonies
Actor Josh Brolin, the son of James Brolin and a star of the 1985 classic The Goonies, recently shared a story about his failed attempt to impress director Steven Spielberg on the set of the film. Brolin, then 16 years old, was eager to make a good impression on Spielberg, who was producing the movie through his company, Amblin Entertainment.
Brolin recalled going to Spielberg in one of the film’s tunnels and sharing a lengthy and elaborate idea for his character, Brand. He explained that the tunnels represented his character’s mother’s womb and suggested that he climb up the tunnel, with tears streaming down his face, as a way to symbolize cutting the emotional umbilical cord. Spielberg’s response was blunt and simple: “Why don’t you just act? Just say the words on the page, you’ll be fine.”
Brolin’s anecdote highlights the enthusiastic and optimistic nature of young actors, as well as the wisdom of experienced filmmakers like Spielberg, who understood that the magic of The Goonies lay in its simplicity and collective coming-of-age story. The exchange likely influenced Brolin’s approach to future movies, teaching him that sometimes less is more.
The Goonies was a box office success, grossing over $125 million against a budget of less than $20 million, and many in the cast, including Brolin, went on to become prominent stars. The film’s success can be attributed to its blend of adventure, humor, and heart, all of which helped to make it a beloved classic.
