Ke Huy Quan Describes ‘Incredible’ Experience Filming Goonies

Everything Everywhere All at Once star Ke Huy Quan reminisced about his time filming The Goonies, describing it as a “kid’s dream.”

During a July 15 episode of Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, the Oscar winner shared his experiences transitioning from starring alongside Harrison Ford in 1984’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom at age 12, to joining the ensemble cast of young actors in the 1985 adventure comedy.

Quan explained the stark difference between the two projects. On the set of Indiana Jones, he was the only child actor, receiving all the attention and love. However, when he started filming The Goonies, his experience changed. Suddenly, he was among six other kids, each bringing their own unique background and talents to the set.

Reflecting on his co-stars, Quan noted the inherent skills the young actors had, even if it was their first movie. Sean Astin and Josh Brolin came from movie families, Jeff Cohen was naturally charming and confident, and Corey Feldman was already a seasoned actor. They all knew how to shine in front of the camera, even how to deliver their lines and hit their marks perfectly.

Quan, on the other hand, faced a new challenge. The Goonies was only his second movie, so he had to learn to share the spotlight, something he was familiar with from growing up in a large family. Despite the competition for attention, the environment was one of fun and chaos, as the kids would constantly jump and scream on set, much to the chagrin of director Richard Donner.

Donner, famed for directing Superman, ingeniously used the young cast’s boundless energy to fuel the film’s spirited atmosphere. Quan recalled that allowing the kids to talk over one another during scenes was unconventional at the time because of editing difficulties. Despite objections from the sound crew, Donner insisted on letting the kids be themselves, capturing their authentic interactions.

For fans of The Goonies, the film feels like watching a group of kids having the time of their lives in the ultimate adventure playground. According to Quan, making the movie was just as thrilling. He recounted days of walking on a pirate ship set, sliding down water slides, and embracing the adventure wholeheartedly. It was, in his words, a kid’s dream come true.

The camaraderie among the cast extended beyond the film. Quan talked about the familial bond they shared, which included fighting, laughter, and plenty of fun, akin to a real family dynamic. He particularly highlighted Josh Brolin, who he described as an older brother figure to the younger cast members.

Quan’s connection with co-star Jeff Cohen, who played Chunk, remains strong to this day. Cohen transitioned from acting to become an entertainment lawyer, and the two have stayed best friends. Quan mentioned that they see each other regularly, reinforcing the lasting impact of their childhood bond.

When asked by Shepard if he had any romantic inclinations towards his co-stars, Quan humorously dismissed the idea, explaining that he was too young at the time. Though he did mention thinking that Kerri Green, who played Andy, was quite pretty as he got a little older.

The bond among The Goonies cast has continued over the years. Quan shared that his former co-stars Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, Josh Brolin, Martha Plimpton, and Kerri Green had all reached out to congratulate him on his Academy Award nomination for his role in Everything Everywhere All at Once before his win in 2023, showcasing the enduring love and support within the Goonies family.

Source: PEOPLE