10 Surprising Facts About the Making of Goonies

“The Goonies” is one of the most beloved adventure movies of all time. It’s a classic that captures the imagination and spirit of both kids and adults. Although the story of a group of misfit kids on a treasure hunt is timeless, not everything about the film’s production is widely known. Here are ten surprising Goonies production facts that even diehard fans may not be aware of.

1. Steven Spielberg came up with the story. Yes, the genius director behind classics like “Jaws,” “E.T.,” and “Indiana Jones” was the driving force behind the creation of “The Goonies.” He pitched the idea to writer and friend Chris Columbus, who eventually penned the script.
2. The Goonies were almost the “Goon docks.” When Spielberg first pitched the story, he was calling it “The Goon Dock Boys.” It was Columbus who suggested the name “Goonies.” Thank goodness for that.
3. Jeff Cohen, who played Chunk, almost didn’t get the part. Cohen thought he was auditioning for a commercial, not a movie. He wasn’t taking it too seriously and even ate a sandwich during his audition. But his goofball antics made Spielberg and the casting directors laugh, and he nabbed the role.
4. The infamous “truffle shuffle” was all Cohen’s idea. In fact, he came up with it on the spot during his audition. It’s a testament to the actor’s improvisational skills and comedic timing.
5. The movie was filmed in sequential order. That’s a rarity for most movies. Spielberg wanted the young actors to fully experience the journey of their characters and to capture the authenticity of their reactions.
6. The pirate ship set was enormous. It took over three months to construct the massive pirate ship set, which was built on an actual beach. There were over 550,000 gallons of water used in the set.
7. Sean Astin, who played Mikey, almost drowned during filming. There is a scene where Mikey falls into the water while trying to retrieve the treasure map. Astin didn’t come up for air quickly enough and ended up inhaling a lot of water. He had to be rescued by a crew member.
8. The movie almost had a different ending. Originally, the Fratellis were supposed to be killed in a cave-in, but Spielberg thought that was too dark. He eventually settled on the ending we all know and love, with the Fratellis being arrested and the Goonies heroically saving their town.
9. The film inspired the creation of the PG-13 rating. “The Goonies” was one of many blockbuster movies in the ’80s that pushed the boundaries of the existing PG rating. A new rating was eventually created, the PG-13, which allowed for some adult content in movies, but not enough for them to be rated R.
10. The cast still gets together to celebrate the movie. Despite living separate lives as successful actors and actresses, the cast of “The Goonies” remains tight-knit and frequently reunites for anniversary celebrations. It’s a testament to the camaraderie they developed on set and the special bond they share thanks to the movie.

The cast still gets together to celebrate the film. Despite leading separate lives as successful professionals in their fields, the cast of “The Goonies” remains close and often reunites for anniversary celebrations. It’s a testament to their on-set friendship and the special bond they’ve formed as a result of the film.