Steven Spielberg Shut Down Josh Brolin On This Piece ofGooniesFeedback: ‘He Was Right’ (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

The cast of The Goonies.Photo:Mary Evans/Ronald Grant/Everett

Mary Evans/Ronald Grant/Everett

Josh Brolinis revisiting his days inThe Goonies.

The actor, 56, spoke with PEOPLE for a story in this week’s issue ahead of the release of his upcoming memoirFrom Under the Truck, out Nov. 19 from Harper. He shared a conversation he once had withSteven Spielberg– who co-wrote the screenplay with Chris Columbus – while starring in the hit 1985 movie.

The adventure comedy flick, which also starredSean Astin,Jeff Cohen,Corey FeldmanandKe Huy Quan, was Brolin’s debut acting gig at age 16.

When filming the classic movie, Brolin shared his interpretation of his character Brandon’s inner thoughts with Spielberg. “I think [my character] Brandon is freaking out, and the tunnels represent the inside of his mother’s womb, and he’s trying to cut that umbilical cord,” Brolin said, at the time.

Joey Feldman

But according to the Marvel alum, the famed director did not agree.

“He looked at me, and he goes, ‘Yeah, just act. Just say what’s on the page,'” Brolin recalls. “He wasn’t being an a–hole, he was right.”

Looking back, Brolin calls his breakthrough role “probably the greatest experience of my life” and notes that it also came into his life at just the right time.

Steven Spielberg at the Fourth Annual Academy Museum Gala on Oct. 19, 2024.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

“That was the moment at 16 years old which never should have happened,” he says. “I had been kicked out of my house. I went to go live on the couch of my dad, who was living with someone at the time, like, I’ve got to get my s— together. And then going through 350 or whatever auditions and people saying, ‘You should definitely find a different profession. You’re not good at this.’ And loving that challenge.”

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From left: Corey Feldman, Jeff Cohen, Josh Brolin, Ke Huy Quand and Sean Astin in a scene from ‘Goonies’, 1985.Warner Brothers/Getty

Warner Brothers/Getty

The actor previously published his poetry and photography bookDune: Exposuresin February, which gaveDunefans a special look into his work as Warmaster Gurney Halleck in the movie franchise.

The book featured images from director of photography Greig Fraser and poems from Brolin.

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The actor, in response, said they are “all my favorites” — but gave a shout-out to Quan, as he “came back and won an Academy Award, man.”

source: people.com