Fans of the cult classic comedy Spaceballs have reason to celebrate as the beloved franchise is gearing up for a highly anticipated sequel set to hit theaters in 2027. Amazon MGM Studios has officially announced the return of several iconic cast members, including Bill Pullman reprising his role as Lone Starr, Rick Moranis coming back as the nefarious Dark Helmet, and the legendary Mel Brooks, who will once again don the persona of Yogurt. This sequel promises to be a unique blend of homage and fresh storytelling, described humorously as "A Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film," signaling a playful approach to expanding the Spaceballs universe.
The original Spaceballs, released in 1987 by MGM, is a satirical send-up of sci-fi blockbusters like Star Wars and Alien. It starred Bill Pullman as the heroic Lone Starr, Rick Moranis as the villainous Dark Helmet, John Candy as Barf, Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa, and Mel Brooks himself in dual roles as President Skroob and Yogurt. Though it garnered mixed reviews and a modest box office return of $38.1 million (equivalent to about $105 million today), the film has since gained a devoted cult following, cherished for its sharp wit and parody.
The upcoming sequel is helmed by director Josh Greenbaum, known for his work on Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, who took over the reins in June 2024. The screenplay is penned by a talented trio: Benji Samit, Dan Hernandez, and Josh Gad. Gad, who rose to fame with his breakout role in The Book of Mormon and as the voice of Olaf in Disney's Frozen franchise, is also expected to star and produce the film. His involvement adds a fresh comedic energy to the project, further supported by producers Brian Grazer and Jeb Brody from Imagine Entertainment, alongside Brooks, Greenbaum, and Gad himself.
One of the most exciting casting announcements is the addition of Keke Palmer, who is joining the cast in a lead role as a character named Destiny. Palmer, fresh off the success of the buddy comedy One of Them Days and upcoming films like The Pickup and Good Fortune, brings a dynamic presence to the sequel. Details about her character remain tightly under wraps, fueling anticipation among fans eager to see how she will fit into the Spaceballs universe.
Adding a family dimension to the cast, Bill Pullman's son, Lewis Pullman, is also joining the film in an undisclosed role. According to reports, he will portray Starburst, the son of Queen Vespa, played by Daphne Zuniga, who is expected to reprise her original role. This father-son duo teaming up on screen adds an intriguing layer to the film’s narrative and casting appeal.
Rick Moranis’s return as Dark Helmet is particularly notable, as the actor has been largely absent from the screen since the late 1990s, focusing on his family after the passing of his wife. His comeback to the franchise is a significant moment for fans who have long hoped to see him reprise this iconic role. Moranis’s last major screen appearance was in a 2020 Mint Mobile commercial with Ryan Reynolds, making this sequel his first major film project in decades.
Mel Brooks, who will turn 99 in June 2025, remains a towering figure in comedy and Hollywood history. An EGOT winner, Brooks’s career spans decades of influential work, including classics like The Producers, Blazing Saddles, and Young Frankenstein. His decision to return as Yogurt, a parody of Yoda, adds a nostalgic and authentic touch to the sequel. Brooks’s last film appearance was a cameo in the 2005 adaptation of The Producers. His involvement signals the sequel’s deep roots in the original’s comedic spirit.
The production team includes executive producers Kevin Salter, Adam Merims, Benji Samit, and Dan Hernandez, who have previously collaborated on projects such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Pokémon Detective Pikachu. Their experience with family-friendly yet cleverly crafted stories suggests that the Spaceballs sequel will maintain the clever humor and broad appeal of the original.
Josh Gad has been actively teasing the project since early 2024, sharing cryptic glimpses of the script on social media and expressing his excitement about the film. At the beginning of 2025, Gad mentioned that the production was "getting the budget together" and "going out to cast," with hopes to begin shooting by the end of that year. This timeline aligns with the announced 2027 theatrical release, indicating a well-planned production schedule.
While plot details remain a mystery, the film is expected to continue the adventures of the Spaceballs universe, blending new characters with beloved originals. The tongue-in-cheek logline hints at a meta approach, embracing both the legacy of the franchise and the modern landscape of film reboots and sequels.
Spaceballs has long been celebrated for its clever parody and affectionate ribbing of sci-fi tropes, particularly those popularized by Star Wars. The original film's ensemble included memorable performances by John Candy as Barf, George Wyner as Colonel Sandurz, Dick Van Patten as King Roland, and Joan Rivers lending her voice to the character Dot Matrix, a C-3PO parody. This sequel promises to honor that legacy while introducing new elements and characters to engage contemporary audiences.
As Amazon MGM Studios makes an aggressive push into theatrical releases, Spaceballs 2 stands as a flagship project combining nostalgia with fresh talent and modern filmmaking. With a blend of veteran stars, rising actors, and a creative team experienced in both comedy and family entertainment, the sequel aims to capture the magic that made the original a cult classic while appealing to a new generation of viewers.
In the end, the return of Spaceballs is more than just a sequel; it’s a celebration of Mel Brooks’s enduring comedic genius and the quirky, irreverent spirit that has kept fans laughing for nearly four decades. As the countdown to 2027 begins, audiences can look forward to a film that promises to be as delightfully unpredictable and entertaining as its predecessor.
