Sean Astin shares his never before seen audition video from The Goonies. Astin is also known for his portrayal of Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the titular character in Rudy, and as Bob Newby on Netflix's popular series, Stranger Things. Astin started his acting career in 1985, portraying the role of Mikey Walsh in The Goonies.
The Goonies is a classic movie about a group of neighborhood kids who discover an old treasure map. This takes them on an adventure to locate the lost fortune of legendary pirate, One-Eyed Willy. The Goonies was directed by Richard Donner, and the screenplay was written by Chris Columbus, who based it on a story by Steven Spielberg.
Astin recently shared his audition video on his Instagram. Accompanying the video was a caption, which called for fans and followers to donate to the American Red Cross. The caption reads, "Never before seen footage!!! My Goonies Audition. Hey you guuys, I’ve been waiting 35 years to share this with you! While we’re in this tough spot, may we all share a spirit of adventure. Please DONATE $1 to the @americanredcross right now & if you can, GIVE BLOOD. Go to redcrossblood.org."
Click Here For Astin's The Goonies Audition Video
In the 8 minute and 34 second audition tape, a 13-year-old Astin starts off by introducing himself to the casting director. Throughout his introduction, an awkward but seemingly confident Astin jokes around about wanting coffee and forgetting how old he is. He then acts out a scene from the movie, as someone off camera reads for the other role. After reading a few different ways, there are voices off camera telling him he did a terrific job and congratulating him. He is then asked, "Did you like that one?" to which Astin replies, "That was alright," and the video ends.
For years, there have been rumors about a potential sequel to The Goonies. However, Astin stated in an interview last year that he is no longer sure that a sequel is coming. However, this does not necessarily mean the end for The Goonies. Fox recently ordered a pilot for a Goonies-inspired TV series. Additionally, actor-comedian Ben Schwartz revealed he wrote a screenplay about "Goonies for adults," in what would be a sort of spiritual sequel to the movie. In regard to a direct sequel, only time will tell. Astin, however, did mention that he believes a reboot of the movie could be possible in the future and that he would be totally okay with it.
It's fun to watch the never before seen footage of Astin, whose acting chops seem to have been present from an early age. The best part of this clip from an old VHS is that Astin took the opportunity to call on his fans and followers to help support a good cause. During a time when hospitals are being overrun due to COVID-19, organizations such as the Red Cross need all the help they can be given, whether through cash donations or through giving blood. Luckily, one star of The Goonies was stepped up in an unconventional way.
Source: Sean Astin/Instagram