Josh Brolin’s career as a successful actor has been built on the foundation of his breakthrough role in the 1985 classic adventure film, ‘The Goonies.’ Directed by Richard Donner and written by Steven Spielberg, ‘The Goonies’ follows a group of kids on a quest to find a lost treasure and save their town from foreclosure. Brolin played the role of Brandon “Brand” Walsh, a high school jock who starts off as a reluctant and slightly antagonistic figure towards his younger brother and his friends, eventually becoming their greatest protector and hero.
Brolin’s introduction scene in ‘The Goonies’ is one of the most memorable moments in the film. His transformation from an airhead athlete to a hero with a lot of punchlines and physical comedy is a highlight of the movie. Brand’s character was a rarity in ’80s teen flicks as he rejected the toxic masculinity and sexist attitudes of his peers and treated girls as equals. With his red bandana and sweatbands, Brolin became a shining emblem of the ’80s teen and a heartthrob for many.
Josh Brolin’s endearing performance in ‘The Goonies’ was the starting point of his successful career. ‘The Goonies’ also launched the careers of many other stars, including Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, Ke Huy Quan, and Martha Plimpton. The movie remains a classic and has inspired many films and TV shows, including the popular Netflix series, ‘Stranger Things.’
Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Ke Huy Quan in The Goonies (Via IMDB)
After ‘The Goonies,’ Brolin’s career experienced many highs and lows, but he came back on top during the 2000s with his work in films like ‘No Country For Old Men’ and ‘True Grit’ and his starring role as the villainous Thanos in ‘The Avengers’ and supporting role in the ‘Dune’ franchise. Brolin’s legacy in Hollywood has been solidified by his undeniable talent and his iconic role in ‘The Goonies.’
The Goonies is a classic film that has left a lasting impact on adventure movies and the careers of its talented cast. Brolin’s performance as Brand remains one of the most memorable aspects of the movie and is a testament to his natural talent and potential that was recognized early on by Steven Spielberg. Brolin’s career has been built on this foundation, and he remains one of the biggest box office stars of his generation.
