Four decades after The Goonies, original cast members reveal if they will return for the sequel

Nearly four decades after its release, The Goonies is reportedly getting a sequel. This charming cult-classic adventure film was a huge success upon its release and has been a big part of growing up in the 1980s. The story was something that kids could immediately relate to since it involved a group of kids putting on pirate hats to find long-lost treasures. So, even years later, the fans have not forgotten about this 80s gem.

With Steven Speilberg's story and Chris Columbus' script, The Goonies created history. So, for several years, fans were expecting it to receive a follow-up project to see the next adventure in their lives. Finally, in February 2025, Warner Bros revealed that a sequel is being developed at the studio.

After the announcement, its Oscar-winning cast member Ke Huy Quan had a word with Collider. He seemed enthusiastic about the idea and said that the cast had been on board with it.

“That's on all of our minds. I've spoken to everybody, and especially our head Goonie, Steven Spielberg, who also wants to do one. We are all on board. And like you just said, because it's such a beloved movie, we want to make sure that we have a really good script that can live up to the original. Honestly, it seems like every few years without fail, there's always a Goonies rumor.”

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The Goonies original cast members opened up about the sequel.

The excitement was through the roof to witness another chapter in the lives of The Goonies. However, unlike Ke Huy Quan, the other cast members were not all sure how it would come about. Sean Astin, whose Mikey led the group of these heroic kids, is not sure how his character could return in the sequel.

During a recent conversation with The Guardian, Astin said,

"I would expect that it would not include us. Maybe it’s just my desire not to raise my expectations. I root for it on behalf of the fans who love it."

Astin was joined by some members of original cast and crew, who also shared what they felt about the idea. Joe Pantoliano, who played Mama Fratelli's crafty son, Francis, is also not sure whether he will be returning to the sequel.

"They’ve been talking about sequels to this movie for years. Spielberg would say: “They probably spent millions of dollars just in developing ideas for this thing.” As far as I know, nobody’s called me."

Cinematographer Nick McLean was concerned with the creative direction since the original film's helmer Richard Donner tragically passed away in 2021.

"Donner has died [in 2021], so who would direct it?"

However, unlike them, Keri Green, whose Andy supported the troop of kids in their thrilling ride, is optimistic about their return based on her recent interaction with The Goonies scriptwriter Chris Columbus.

"I had a nice conversation with Chris Columbus at Ke’s hand and footprint ceremony [at LA’s TCL Chinese theatre] recently. It sounds like we all might have cameos in it, which would be so much fun.

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The Goonies cast looks back fondly at their adventure film.

The cast may not be sure how their characters would make sense in a sequel, but they all share fond memories of the original just as the fans do. Pantoliano said The Goonies was like:

"Raiders of the Lost Ark for kids."

Astin added,

"It’s camp and goofy and stupid in parts. Then it’s got the childhood wonder and heart. I’ve met so many people who have tattooed their bodies with the Inferno, Sloth, One-Eyed Willy, our faces. They have carved into their skin what this movie means to them."

Hopefully, they will return to this exciting world in The Goonies 2.