Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
It’s official: after decades of rumors, Mel Brooks is finally following through with a sequel to his 1987 sci-fi parody. Fans, old and new, now have a reason to get excited as Spaceballs 2 is set to hit theaters in 2027, marking 40 years since the original lampooned everything from Star Wars to Aliens.
One of the biggest surprises for longtime fans is the return of the original cast. Mel Brooks, the comedic legend behind the first film, will reprise his iconic role as Yogurt—a gold-skinned, wise (and very merchandising-savvy) mentor and clear spoof of Yoda from Star Wars. At 98, Brooks isn’t just behind the camera; he’s stepping in front of it once again, promising the same offbeat energy that made the original a cult favorite. Brooks himself confirmed his return on X, sharing a classic title crawl video with fans and signing off with, “May the Schwartz be with you” (you can watch the announcement video on YouTube for all the nostalgia-filled details).
Even more surprising, Rick Moranis—who withdrew from screen acting in the late ‘90s—will reportedly don the massive helmet as Dark Helmet again. Moranis’s return alone is enough to spark excitement across generations of comedy fans, as he’s fondly remembered for roles in Ghostbusters, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, and more.
Bill Pullman will also reprise his role as Lone Star, the Han Solo-style hero with a Mel Brooks twist. While John Candy, who played Barf, passed away in 1994, the film is bringing in new blood to honor his legacy.
For more on Moranis’s remarkable return, visit World of Reel, which details why this particular sequel was “too good to pass on” after so many years away from Hollywood.
Staying true to its comedic roots, the plot for Spaceballs 2 is being kept tightly under wraps. The announcement teased an irreverent, meta approach that pokes fun not only at the Star Wars franchise but at the proliferation of sequels, prequels, and cinematic universes that have since become Hollywood staples. The original film hinted at a “Spaceballs 2: The Search For More Money,” and fans will be happy to know this self-deprecating humor is still alive and well in the Brooks camp.
Announcing the sequel, Brooks joked, “After 40 years, we asked, ‘What do the fans want?’ But instead, we’re making this movie,” showing he still hasn’t lost his signature comedic touch. Check out the People Magazine news for more details and Mel’s comments about reviving Spaceballs after all this time.
The original film’s supporting cast included comedy icons Joan Rivers (Dot Matrix), Dom DeLuise (Pizza the Hutt), and others who have since passed, but the legacy is set to continue with fresh faces. Josh Gad, known for films like Frozen and The Book of Mormon, not only co-writes but also stars in the sequel. He shared his excitement on Instagram, writing that working with “the legendary Mel freaking Brooks to make something worthy of this franchise and his legacy has been a dream come true.” Gad is believed to be stepping into the shoes of Barf Jr., the son of John Candy’s character.
Keke Palmer has also been cast in a key role, while Lewis Pullman—Bill Pullman’s real-life son—is set for a mysterious part that may link generations onscreen and off. The writing team includes Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez, who bring solid comedic credentials and are eager to parody the modern blockbuster era.
Unlike the first film, which became a beloved cult hit on home video rather than a box office juggernaut, Spaceballs 2 is coming out in a streaming era where nostalgia is turbocharged and fan bases have only grown. Amazon’s MGM Studios is producing, suggesting the film will get both a wide theatrical release and a likely streaming debut on Amazon Prime Video.
As you’d expect, the online buzz is enormous. After the announcement, Brooks and Gad’s posts sparked a flurry of activity, with fans quoting lines, sharing memes, and celebrating Moranis’s return. The Instagram post from Gad captured much of the creative team’s passion and their commitment to honoring Mel Brooks’s legacy, ending fittingly with the fan-favorite rally cry: #maytheschwartzbewithyou.
For more background on Spaceballs’ legacy and its journey to streaming platforms, see MovieWeb’s coverage and explore the reasons behind the sequel’s timing on Amazon MGM.
For the latest updates on Spaceballs 2, check Mel Brooks’s X account and the official YouTube teaser, as well as the full news release on People and World of Reel.
Spaceballs 2 isn’t just a sequel; it’s a celebration of everything fans have loved about Mel Brooks’s sharp-eyed, quick-witted approach to pop culture. The Schwartz is strong in this one.