More than forty years have passed since The Goonies first captured hearts with its swashbuckling adventure, treasure maps, pirate legends, and unforgettable camaraderie among a group of adventurous kids trying to save their homes. Over decades, fans have wondered: will there truly be a sequel—The Goonies 2—and if so, when might it arrive and in what shape? In 2025, the long-awaited news began to crystallize: Warner Bros. officially confirmed The Goonies 2 is in development, with key figures attached and the script underway. But as exciting as development is, much remains uncertain. In this article, we’ll walk through all that is confirmed, what is still up in the air, what fans are speculating, and what we might realistically expect from this sequel—if and when it actually happens.
Why The Goonies Still Matters
The Goonies (1985), directed by Richard Donner, written by Chris Columbus (based on a story by Steven Spielberg), became more than just a fun kids’ adventure—it grew into a beloved cult classic. The original film follows a group of young friends in Astoria, Oregon, who discover a pirate map leading to the treasure of “One-Eyed Willy” as a last-ditch effort to save their homes from foreclosure. With memorable characters, quotable lines, a thrilling mix of adventure, danger, and humor, and a deeply nostalgic aura, The Goonies has inspired generations. Because of that legacy, any sequel must contend with high expectations: fans want authenticity, the heart of the original, and a continuation rather than a mere reboot.
Official Sequel News: What Is Confirmed
In February 2025, after years of rumors and hopeful speculation, Warner Bros. officially announced that The Goonies 2 is in development. EW.com+2Variety+2 The screenplay is being written by Potsy Ponciroli, known for projects like Old Henry. Wikipedia+1 Meanwhile, Steven Spielberg (who helped originate the story of The Goonies) and Chris Columbus (who wrote the original) are involved as producers. EW.com+1 Also producing are Amblin Entertainment figures Kristie Macosko Krieger and Holly Bario, and Lauren Shuler Donner is executive producing. EW.com However, as of now no director has been officially attached to helm the project. Variety+1
Script Status & Production Development
The writing process appears to be moving forward. The new writer, Potsy Ponciroli, has reportedly submitted an early draft, and there are statements that subsequent drafts (including a second draft) are in process. GamesRadar++1 According to interviews, the script so far has been “very well received,” which suggests that the studio is satisfied with the direction. GamesRadar++1 That said, being “in development” still means there is time before filming, casting, budgeting, location approval, and studio backing are all finalized.
Cast & Crew: Who Might Return, Who Might Not
One of the biggest questions is which original cast members will return. The original Goonies included Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Ke Huy Quan, Martha Plimpton, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, and others. Wikipedia+2EW.com+2 As of now, there has been no official confirmation that any of the original cast has signed on to reprise their roles. GamesRadar++2Screen Rant+2 There is enthusiasm among fans and some actors about returning, but public statements from stars like Martha Plimpton or Corey Feldman have been cautious: there is no attached script or confirmed return as of yet. People.com+2The Sun+2
On the crew side, the involvement of producers like Spielberg, Columbus, Donner (executive producing), etc., suggests the sequel is intended to maintain ties to the spirit of the original. The absence of a confirmed director means creative leadership is still being determined, which will affect tone, style, pacing, and how faithful the sequel will be to its source. Variety+1
What Fans Are Speculating: Possible Plot & Expectations
While no official plot details have been released, we can look at what fans and insiders are expecting—or hoping—for Goonies 2. Some speculation suggests the sequel could take place several decades after the original, featuring a new generation of “Goonies” possibly alongside or mentored by the original group. This kind of bridging (old cast + new) is popular in sequel culture because it appeals to nostalgia while allowing fresh characters. There are also rumors of treasure hunts, pirate lore, perhaps new threats and obstacles, maybe even returning to the same locales or finding extensions of the original map or mystery. Given that the original involved a pirate treasure (One-Eyed Willy), there is expectation of treasure-map style adventure, traps, puzzles, danger, the Fratelli family or something like them, and themes of friendship, loyalty, adventure, and underdog triumphs.
Challenges & What Could Go Wrong
Even with official development underway, there are several challenges. One is meeting fan expectations—The Goonies is beloved, and many fans are deeply protective of what made it meaningful: the tone, the character relationships, the balance between adventure and heart. If the sequel veers too much toward spectacle without soul, it risks backlash. Another challenge is cast availability and willingness—the original actors are older now, some may be unavailable or uninterested. Then there are logistical and financial limitations: budget, studio risks, finding the right director, ensuring the script is strong (which has been a concern over years of stalled development). Finally, there is always the issue of whether the sequel can innovate enough to feel new, while honoring what came before.
Conclusion
What we can say for sure is that The Goonies 2 is now more than a rumor: the project is officially in development, with a writer, producers, and enthusiasm behind it. But at the same time, much remains uncertain—release date, director, cast returns, plot details. For fans, that means staying tuned. In the months (or possibly years) ahead, we can expect more announcements: likely casting news, director confirmation, possibly early trailers or concept art. The hope is that Goonies 2 will be more than nostalgia—it will be a worthy continuation of a story that has lasted decades in hearts and minds.
FAQ
Q: When will The Goonies 2 be released?
A: As of now, no release date has been officially announced. The movie is in early‐to‐mid development. Drafts of the script are being worked on, but there’s no filming schedule or premiere date confirmed.
Q: Is Steven Spielberg directing The Goonies 2?
A: No, Steven Spielberg is not attached as director. He is involved as a producer, along with Chris Columbus and others. EW.com+1
Q: Will the original cast return?
A: It is not yet confirmed that any of the original cast have signed on. Some cast members have said they’re interested, but nothing official has been confirmed. GamesRadar++2Screen Rant+2
Q: Who is writing the sequel?
A: The screenplay is being written by Potsy Ponciroli. He is working under producers including Spielberg, Chris Columbus, Lauren Shuler Donner, Kristie Macosko Krieger, and Holly Bario. EW.com+2Variety+2
Q: What might the plot of The Goonies 2 involve?
A: Plot details haven’t been released. Speculation includes a new generation of Goonies, perhaps alongside the original characters; treasure maps; puzzles and adventures reminiscent of the first; possibly revisiting or expanding original lore. Fans also expect similar themes of friendship, bravery, and underdogs.
Q: What are the biggest risks or concerns for the sequel?
A: Maintaining what made the original special (tone, character, spirit) is crucial. Other concerns include securing original cast, finding the right director, writing a script that satisfies both nostalgia and originality, and logistical studio/financial commitments. If any of those go wrong, the project may suffer delays or fall short of fan expectations.
