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Sequel to 'The Goonies' Moves Forward: Writer Potsy Ponciroli Updates Fans at Venice Film Festival
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The world of "The Goonies", a movie that defined childhood adventure for generations, is set to expand. During a Deadline-moderated Winston Baker panel at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, writer Potsy Ponciroli provided the most substantial update yet on the sequel’s development. Ponciroli stated, “I have turned in a first draft, which was very well received, and I’m on a second draft and I’m about 95% done with that so we’re moving in the right direction” . This news marks a promising step for the project, which has seen decades of speculation and fan anticipation.
According to Warner Bros., the film remains in early pre-production, with the screenplay actively refined and key staff discussions underway . No director or official release date has been announced, though industry insiders speculate a potential debut between 2026 and 2027 .
Ponciroli acknowledged the weight of fan expectations, especially the skepticism surrounding sequels to beloved classics. “There are few bigger fans of the original than myself and I would treat it with utmost care,” he told the audience, emphasizing that the new film is not an attempt to “redo” the original, but to build on its enduring spirit . This approach has reassured both long-time fans and new audiences, including LGBTQ+ viewers who see the original’s themes of belonging and resilience as resonant with their own experiences.
Original creatives Chris Columbus and Steven Spielberg are confirmed to return as executive producers, further solidifying the sequel’s ties to its roots . While plot details and casting remain tightly guarded, there is speculation that the sequel will introduce a new generation of adventurers—children of the original Goonies—while possibly featuring cameos from the original cast .
The original "Goonies" has long been praised for its depiction of diverse friendship, courage, and the celebration of outsiders—a message that has resonated strongly with LGBTQ+ audiences. Many found solace and inspiration in the film’s portrayal of kids who, despite being marginalized or misunderstood, band together to overcome adversity. As the sequel moves forward, there is hope that these themes will be expanded to more explicitly embrace LGBTQ+ representation both on and off screen.
As of September 2025, "The Goonies 2" remains in pre-production, with key talent being hired and final script approvals underway. The involvement of Columbus, Spielberg, and Ponciroli signals a commitment to continuity and quality, though the loss of original director Richard Donner—who passed away in 2021—has led to speculation about who will helm the new chapter . Original cast members, including Ke Huy Quan and Sean Astin, have expressed interest in returning, while others, such as Josh Brolin, remain more reserved .
The studio has not released official plot details, but early reports suggest the story will center on the children of the original Goonies, who embark on their own adventure, discovering clues that lead back to the mysteries of the past . This multi-generational approach aligns with ongoing trends in legacy sequels, offering opportunities for fresh narratives while celebrating the film’s classic roots.
