Spaceballs 2 Is Coming – Including Original Stars Like Rick Moranis!

Fans waited a long time, but soon the time has come: the "Spaceballs" sequel is happening! Amazon MGM has already announced an approximate start date with a teaser. Some of the original actors from the first film are involved – and Hollywood legend Mel Brooks is also back.

Rick Moranis returns as Dark Helmet

The biggest casting news is probably the return of Rick Moranis. This is reported by the industry magazine Deadline. The actor is best known for his 80s films such as "Ghostbusters". In "Spaceballs 2" he will portray his iconic character Dark Helmet, as he did in the first film. His return is quite surprising: The actor had actually retired from acting long ago.

Bill and Lewis Pullman

Original star Bill Pullman is also taking part. The "Independence Day" actor can be seen again as Lone Starr. He will possibly be playing side by side with his son: The Hollywood Reporter has learned that "Thunderbolts*" star Lewis Pullman is in talks for the character Starbust. According to their sources, Starbust is the son of Lone Starr and Queen Vespa.

Daphne Zuniga as Queen Vespa

Attentive readers and hardcore "Spaceballs" fans are sure to perk up at this: Princess Vespa has become Queen Vespa. The Wrap claims to have learned that Daphne Zuniga will also be back for her iconic role. "Nope" actress Keke Palmer and Josh Gad, who is also working on the screenplay, are also likely to join the cast.

"Spaceballs 2" is being directed by Josh Greenbaum. His best-known productions include the comedy series "New Girl", for which he directed several episodes. The mastermind behind the first film, Mel Brooks, will be involved as a producer. He will also appear in the film as Yogurt again – despite being 98 years old!

Teaser

Mel Brooks took the opportunity to confirm the sequel himself in the new teaser. We now know above all: "Spaceballs 2" is set to be released in 2027! That's a whopping 40 years between the original film and the sequel. You can watch the teaser here!

Spaceballs

The film "Spaceballs" first appeared in cinemas in 1987 and is a science fiction parody by director and comedian Mel Brooks. With his typical, absurd humor, Brooks mainly takes aim at the "Star Wars" series (but also other classics of the sci-fi genre). The film is now a cult classic and is considered one of the funniest parodies of the 80s.

The plot

In a galaxy far, far away, the planet Spaceballs is doomed – it is running out of air. To save himself, President Skroob (Mel Brooks) plans to steal the atmosphere of the peaceful planet Druidia. To do so, he sends his henchman Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis), an obvious Darth Vader caricature. He is to kidnap Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) and blackmail Druidia's king. But salvation arrives in the form of sly space hero Lone Starr (Bill Pullman) and his hairy co-pilot Barf (John Candy) – a nod to Han Solo and Chewbacca. Together they try to rescue the princess.

Cast

Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet brilliantly brings out the ridiculousness of his character, with his oversized helmet and petty spitefulness. Bill Pullman parodies the typical heroic character and convinces as a charmingly dorky savior. John Candy shines in one of his most likeable roles as Barf. And Mel Brooks himself plays both President Skroob and the wise Yogurt in a dual role – a clear parody of Master Yoda.

Reception and cult status

On its release, "Spaceballs" met with mixed reviews, especially in comparison to Brooks' earlier films. But over the years, the film became a favorite among sci-fi fans and comedy lovers. Many of its quotes and moments have long since achieved cult status.

"Spaceballs" is a typical Mel Brooks comedy: full of puns, slapstick, meta-humor and sideswipes at Hollywood itself. The film is more than just a parody – it is a loving homage to the sci-fi genre, peppered with biting humor and absurd ideas. Even decades after its release, it still provides great entertainment. You can currently find "Spaceballs" available for streaming on Max.