Spielberg Walked Out During Sean Astin’s Audition – But That Wasn’t the End of the Story

Long before Sean Astin became a household name, he nearly lost one of the biggest roles of his career — right in the middle of the audition. When trying out for the now-iconic role of Mikey in The Goonies, Astin struggled through a string of line flubs and shaky delivery that led to one jaw-dropping moment: Steven Spielberg quietly stood up and walked out of the room.

For a young actor, the silence that followed was deafening. Astin recalled the sinking feeling that his opportunity had vanished in seconds. In his mind, he had blown it — and not just for that role, but maybe for everything after.

But someone else in the room saw potential.

Rather than giving up on him, the film’s director calmly stepped forward. He knelt beside Astin, gently gave him notes, and reassured him that one bad take didn’t mean the end. That moment of support made all the difference. Astin refocused, found his confidence, and gave a performance that would ultimately land him the lead role in what would become one of the most beloved adventure films of the ’80s.

Decades later, fans still cherish The Goonies, and stories like this are a reminder of what went into its magic. It wasn’t just the treasure hunts or the pirate ships — it was the vulnerability, the growth, and the second chances that shaped the cast behind the scenes.

And yes, Spielberg may have walked out… but Astin walked right into a role that changed his life.