Even the best actors find themselves in less-than-stellar films, and for John Goodman, one of his perceived missteps, “The Flintstones,” was a result of unexpected circumstances involving none other than Steven Spielberg.
In an interview with GQ, Goodman disclosed that his involvement in “The Flintstones” originated during auditions for a different fantasy movie, “Always,” directed by Spielberg. The actor was thrilled to be part of the project and was looking forward to the experience. However, things took an unexpected turn on the day of the first table read.
“They kinda sandbagged me. Steven Spielberg cast me in a film called ‘Always,'” Goodman recounted. “I was just in heaven, ‘This is the best.’ So on the day of the first table read, he goes, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to say something before we start, I’ve found my Fred Flintstone.’”
This revelation left Goodman feeling deflated, as he hadn’t anticipated taking on the role of Fred Flintstone in “The Flintstones.” Despite his initial reservations, Goodman noted that working on the family movie turned out to be an enjoyable experience. He described it as hot, sweaty, and fun, highlighting the positive aspect of getting to meet Jonathan Winters, who was part of a scene.
Reflecting on the upside of the project, Goodman emphasized the joy of collaborating with Rick Moranis, his co-star who portrayed Barney Rubble. “Rick Moranis was an ace,” Goodman praised. “Rick Moranis is the best. I loved showing up for work with Rick Moranis.”
Despite the challenges and criticisms faced by the 1994 live-action adaptation of the beloved animated series, “The Flintstones,” Goodman acknowledges that the casting of himself and Moranis as Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble was indeed spot-on. He credited Spielberg for recognizing the synergy between the two actors, even if the film didn’t quite capture the same familial charm as the original series. In the end, despite its flaws, the movie did have its positive moments and memorable collaborations.