By Arthur 
“Goonies never say die.” It’s more than just a line from a movie; it’s a battle cry for a generation. Since 1985, Richard Donner’s treasure-hunting adventure has cemented itself as a cornerstone of pop culture, a film passed down from parent to child like a beloved heirloom. And for nearly as long, one question has echoed through fan forums, family dinners, and cast reunions: When are we getting The Goonies 2? Often searched with the charmingly mangled title goonierne 2, this sequel has become Hollywood’s ultimate phantom—always rumored, never materializing. So, what’s the holdup? Strap on your pirate eyepatch and grab a Baby Ruth, because we’re diving deep into the tangled history, the hopeful updates, and the creative maze that stands between us and a return to the Goon Docks.
The journey to a sequel has been a rollercoaster worthy of One-Eyed Willy’s booby traps, filled with thrilling highs and crushing drops.
In the immediate aftermath of the original film’s success, whispers of a sequel naturally surfaced. However, the sentiment among the young cast and the creators was surprisingly unified. For years, the general feeling was that the first film was a perfect, self-contained adventure. Trying to recapture that lightning in a bottle felt unnecessary, and even the cast members, as they grew older, expressed that the magic of that specific time in their lives couldn’t—and perhaps shouldn’t—be replicated. The idea lay dormant for decades, becoming the stuff of fan fantasy.
The landscape shifted dramatically in 2014. The late, great director Richard Donner, the heart and soul of the original, began actively championing the project. He confirmed that a script was in development, with the original film’s writer, Chris Columbus, contributing story ideas. Donner’s enthusiasm was infectious. He wasn’t just open to a sequel; he was pushing for it, telling anyone who would listen that he was determined to make it happen. This announcement sent a shockwave of genuine excitement through the fanbase. For the first time in decades, Goonies 2 felt like a matter of “when,” not “if.”
The 30th and 35th anniversaries of the film brought the cast together for emotional reunions, covered extensively by media outlets. These events, coupled with the success of other nostalgic revivals, kept the sequel conversation burning brightly. However, they also highlighted a complication: the passage of time. While the cast’s chemistry was still palpable, they were no longer kids. This reality began to shape the conversation around what a modern Goonies story would even look like. More recently, talks have pivoted towards a Goonies TV series for a streaming service, which some see as a potential compromise or even a replacement for the long-gestating film sequel.
The most burning question for any fan is whether we’ll see the original gang back together. The answer is a resounding, though complicated, “maybe.”
The core trio of Mikey, Data, and Mouth have been the most vocal about their desire to return.
- Sean Astin (Mikey) has never been shy about his love for the film. From his Oscar-nominated producing work to his iconic role in Stranger Things, Astin has remained in the public eye and has consistently stated he would return in a heartbeat. His earnest enthusiasm makes him the sequel’s chief cheerleader.
- Ke Huy Quan (Data) experienced a monumental career resurgence with his Oscar-winning performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once. After years away from acting, his triumphant return has made the prospect of seeing Data and his inventive gadgets again more exciting than ever. Quan has emotionally expressed his gratitude for the franchise and his willingness to reunite with his on-screen family.
- Corey Feldman (Mouth) has also been a staunch supporter of a sequel, often discussing it in interviews and on social media. His connection to the film remains a defining part of his career.
Of course, reassembling the entire The Goonies original cast is a logistical nightmare. Josh Brolin (Brand) is a massive A-list star with a packed schedule, though he’s expressed nostalgic affection for the film. Martha Plimpton (Stef) and Kerri Green (Andy) have both had successful careers and have shown warmth towards the idea, but the real challenge isn’t just willingness—it’s crafting a story that makes sense for characters who are now in their 50s. They can’t just be hunting for treasure in their attics; their adventure needs to be grounded in their current lives, likely as parents themselves.
This is the billion-dollar question: What would Goonierne 2 actually be about? The most compelling fan theories for Goonierne 2 plot point in one clear direction.
The most logical and widely speculated narrative involves the original Goonies now being parents. Their children, perhaps viewed as outcasts in a modern, tech-obsessed world, would stumble upon a new mystery—a second treasure map from One-Eyed Willy, a new threat to the Goon Docks, or the resurgence of the Fratelli family with a new, vengeful leader. This “passing the torch” model allows the original cast to return in mentor roles (a la Star Wars: The Force Awakens) while introducing a new group of kids for a contemporary audience to root for. It honors the legacy while creating a new adventure.
Here lies the sequel’s most significant and tragic hurdle: the passing of director Richard Donner in 2021. Donner was the driving force, the captain of the ship. His loss is immeasurable, not just for cinema but for the soul of any potential sequel. The big question is: who could possibly step in? All eyes would turn to executive producer Steven Spielberg, who conceived the original story. Would he take a more hands-on role, or even direct it himself as a tribute to his late friend? His involvement would be the single biggest signal of the project’s legitimacy. Without Donner at the helm, finding a director who can balance spectacle, heart, and that specific brand of 80s warmth is a monumental task.
Did the Goonies’ discovery of One-Eyed Willy‘s riches truly end the story? Perhaps a sequel could explore the consequences of that wealth. Did it change the dynamics of the Goon Docks? Could a new villain be after the remaining artifacts or the location of the treasure ship itself? The plot would need to be clever enough to feel fresh while respecting the original’s perfect ending.
So, where do we stand today? As of 2024, the official status of Goonierne 2 is in development limbo. There is no green light from Warner Bros., no shooting schedule, and no final script. The energy has seemingly shifted towards developing a television series, which some see as a more natural format to explore a new generation of characters and a longer-form mystery.
The hold-up is a perfect storm of challenges: the irreplaceable loss of Richard Donner, the astronomical difficulty of aligning the schedules of a now-famous ensemble cast, and the immense pressure to create a script that doesn’t tarnish the legacy of a beloved classic. In Hollywood terms, it’s a high-risk, high-reward project. Get it right, and it’s a nostalgia-fueled blockbuster; get it wrong, and you’ve betrayed a cultural touchstone.
The dream of Goonierne 2 is a testament to the enduring power of The Goonies. The fact that we’re still talking about it, almost 40 years later, proves that the spirit of Mikey, Data, Chunk, and the rest of the gang is very much alive. While the sequel remains trapped in a development cave, the passion from the original cast and the global fanbase ensures the hope will never truly die.
The key takeaways are clear: the cast is largely willing, the most likely plot involves their children, and the loss of Richard Donner is a hurdle that may yet be overcome with the right creative team, potentially guided by Steven Spielberg. Until then, the best way to keep the dream alive is to do what Goonies do best: revisit the original adventure, share your wild fan theories for Goonierne 2 plot online, and never, ever say die.