Acclaimed actor John Goodman has shown his diverse acting range over the years, from blockbuster hits to indie classics. Notably, he forged an early partnership with the Coen brothers, starting with “Raising Arizona” in 1987, and they later collaborated on the cult classic “The Big Lebowski.” However, Goodman’s career path could have taken a different turn if he had been locked into filming consecutive “Flintstones” sequels.
In honor of the 30th anniversary of the live-action “The Flintstones” movie, a reveal was made in an interview with Total Film magazine. Director Brian Levant shared that there were plans to create back-to-back sequels to the film, akin to the approach taken with the “Back to the Future” series. It was a strategy supported by Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment and Universal Pictures, who were behind the successful time-travel trilogy.
However, Goodman wasn’t keen on reprising his role as Fred Flintstone. He met with Spielberg to express his reluctance: “He made an appointment with Spielberg and said, ‘Please don’t make me do any more of these,’” Levant recounted. Ultimately, Goodman never returned to Bedrock; when the franchise resurfaced in 2000 with a prequel, “The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas,” the entire original cast was absent. The prequel managed only a modest box office return of $59 million against a $58 million budget, a stark contrast to Goodman’s ongoing success, notably in “The Big Lebowski.”
FAQ: John Goodman and The Flintstones Sequels
- Did John Goodman star in any Flintstones sequels?
No, John Goodman did not star in any Flintstones sequels. He pleaded with Spielberg not to be included in further films after the original. - What film is John Goodman famous for after turning down Flintstones sequels?
John Goodman is well-known for his role in “The Big Lebowski,” among other films, which he might not have done if he had been tied to Flintstones sequels. - Was there ever a Flintstones sequel made?
Yes, a prequel titled “The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas” was released in 2000, but it did not include the original cast. - Why did John Goodman not want to do Flintstones sequels?
John Goodman wanted to pursue other acting opportunities and avoid being typecast in the role of Fred Flintstone. - How did the prequel “The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas” perform financially?
The prequel “The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas” did not perform well, grossing only $59 million on a $58 million budget.
Conclusion
John Goodman’s request to Steven Spielberg to avoid participation in potential Flintstones sequels reflects his desire to diversify his acting roles and not be pigeonholed. His pivotal decision allowed him to partake in various landmark films, including “The Big Lebowski.” While a Flintstones prequel did eventually come to fruition without the original cast, it did not capture audiences’ attention to the same extent. Goodman’s career choice is a testament to the importance of selective role acceptance in Hollywood. Whether fans missed him in “Viva Rock Vegas” or not, Goodman’s legacy in cinema remains diverse and impressive.