Josh Brolin Reflects on Steven Spielberg’s Advice During ‘The Goonies’ Filming: “He Was Right”
Nearly four decades after The Goonies became a cult classic, Josh Brolin is looking back at the iconic adventure-comedy with fond memories, especially of the advice he received from producer Steven Spielberg on set.
The Oscar-nominated actor, who played the tough yet caring older brother Brandon Walsh in the 1985 film, recently shared what Spielberg told him during filming—advice that would go on to shape his career. Recalling his character’s intense moments in the film, Brolin remarked, “I think [Brandon] is freaking out, and the tunnels represent the inside of his mother’s womb, and he’s trying to cut that umbilical cord.”
However, Spielberg’s advice to the young actor was far more straightforward and simple. According to Brolin, Spielberg told him, “Just act. Just say what’s on the page.” At first, the advice might have seemed blunt, but Brolin now appreciates its clarity. “He wasn’t being an a—hole,” he laughed. “He was right.”
For Brolin, this role in The Goonies marked the beginning of what would become a long and successful career in Hollywood. It was his breakout role, years before he would go on to earn critical acclaim in films like No Country for Old Men (2007), Milk (2008), and Dune (2021). Reflecting on his journey from a troubled teenager to an award-winning actor, Brolin shared, “That was the moment at 16 years old which never should have happened. I had been kicked out of my house. I went to live on the couch of my dad, who was living with someone at the time, thinking, ‘I’ve got to get my s— together.’”
Brolin also recalled how, despite a string of auditions, many people had told him, “You should definitely find a different profession. You’re not good at this.” But Brolin’s love for the craft and his perseverance pushed him to prove them wrong, taking on the challenge head-on.
His experience on The Goonies has remained a defining moment in his career. It was not just the film’s success that shaped his journey, but the people he met and the lessons he learned, like Spielberg’s no-nonsense approach to acting.
Recently, his co-stars from The Goonies, Corey Feldman and Martha Plimpton, debunked rumors about a possible sequel, confirming that the much-loved adventure film is staying as it is—untouched and as nostalgic as ever.
Ahead of the release of his memoir, From Under the Truck, set for November 19, Brolin is sharing more stories from his career, his struggles, and his rise in Hollywood. In his upcoming book, readers can expect more anecdotes about his time on the The Goonies set and the incredible journey that followed.
