Tuesday, June 06, 2023

Prank by Steven Spielberg

For director Richard Donner, shooting The Goonies was draining. He loved the kids, but working with a whole gang of them was stressful and exhausting. After the production wrapped, Donner took off to Hawaii for some rest and relaxation away from chaotic, energetic children.

Steven Spielberg, who wrote the story and helped out with direction during the shoot, had a brainstorm and arranged for all the child actors, and a few of the adults, too, to surprise Donner in Hawaii. Spielberg had them all flown over to the island to surprise Donner, and made sure it was caught on camera.

If Donner was at all bothered by the surprise, he hid it well, and graciously welcomed the cast. You can hear one of the kids saying they would stay with him the whole time he was there, but I don't believe that's what ultimately happened. It probably gave Donner pause at the time. (via Fark)

No comments: