The legendary Mel Brooks is back — and so is Spaceballs. Nearly four decades after the original 1987 sci-fi parody took pop culture by storm, a sequel is officially in the works. The announcement has thrilled fans across generations, especially with Brooks himself returning to reprise his iconic role as Yogurt. The new film is already being dubbed one of the most anticipated comedy releases of the decade.
With a theatrical release scheduled for 2027, the sequel to Spaceballs is expected to deliver a fresh yet familiar ride through the universe of parody, satire, and absurdity that only Mel Brooks can deliver.
Mel Brooks portraying Yogurt in Spaceballs. Image credit: Cinetext Collection/Sportsphoto/Allstar.
Mel Brooks Returns to the Director’s Galaxy
At 99 years of age, Mel Brooks continues to defy expectations. The comedy icon, known for classics like Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, is both producing and returning as Yogurt in Spaceballs 2. Confirming his involvement, Brooks posted, “I told you we’d be back,” on Bluesky, sparking a wave of excitement online.
While Brooks won’t be directing this time, his involvement as a producer ensures that the DNA of the original will be well preserved. Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) will direct the film, working from a script by Benji Samit, Dan Hernandez, and Josh Gad — who will also star.
Cast Confirmations: Familiar Faces and New Blood
The return of beloved characters is a massive draw for the Spaceballs sequel. Bill Pullman will reprise his role as Lone Starr, the Han Solo-esque hero of the original. He’ll be joined by Rick Moranis, back as the villainous Dark Helmet — an especially exciting return given Moranis’s extended break from acting since the late 1990s.
In an emotional twist, Pullman’s real-life son, Lewis Pullman, is in talks to join the cast. He is expected to play Starburst, the son of Lone Starr and Princess Vespa (played once again by Daphne Zuniga). This real-life father-son casting adds another layer of charm to the sequel.
Lewis Pullman photographed by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Disney.
The cast also includes Nope star Keke Palmer in a lead role as Destiny, and Josh Gad in an undisclosed but significant part. Palmer, riding the success of her recent buddy comedy One of Them Days, adds star power and generational reach to the film.
A Sequel or a Reboot?
Amazon MGM Studios is keeping plot details tightly under wraps, but a press release teases that the new film is “a Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two — but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film.” Translation? Expect both continuity and fresh twists. The movie seems poised to balance nostalgia with a modern comedic sensibility.
This blend of old and new makes the Mel Brooks Spaceballs 2 project particularly unique. It’s not just about parodying the current sci-fi climate — it’s also about celebrating the legacy of a genre that has evolved since Spaceballs first launched into cinemas.
Spaceballs Legacy: Why It Still Matters
Released in 1987, Spaceballs was Mel Brooks’s cheeky send-up of the Star Wars phenomenon, but it expanded its targets to include Star Trek, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and even merchandising culture itself. While reviews were initially mixed, the film developed a cult following. Its quotable lines, iconic costumes, and satirical genius helped cement its place in comedy history.
Rick Moranis’s oversized Dark Helmet remains one of the most visually hilarious villains in film, and John Candy’s lovable Barf became a fan-favourite. With Moranis and Pullman confirmed for the sequel, the nostalgia factor is through the roof.
From left to right – Bill Pullman, Rick Moranis, Keke Palmer, and Lewis Pullman. [Photo credits: Pal Hansen/Getty, Quintin and Ron/Michael Buckner for Deadline.]
Mel Brooks Spaceballs: The Creative Dream Team
Brooks isn’t doing it alone. The creative team includes Josh Greenbaum directing, with production handled by Imagine’s Brian Grazer and Jeb Brody, alongside Brooks and Gad. The writing trio of Samit, Hernandez, and Gad brings a blend of experience from projects like Detective Pikachu and The Addams Family 2.
Kevin Salter, Adam Merims, Samit, and Hernandez will serve as executive producers, promising strong creative leadership behind the scenes.
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Mel Brooks’s Career: A Comedy Legacy
It’s impossible to talk about Spaceballs 2 without reflecting on the incredible career of Mel Brooks. One of only a few artists to achieve EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), Brooks has shaped generations of comedy. His return to the screen at nearly 100 is nothing short of remarkable.
His last on-screen appearance was in The Producers in 2005, though he’s lent his voice to animated roles in recent years. For fans, seeing him return as Yogurt — with his signature wit and Yiddish-inflected humour — is a moment worth celebrating.
Rick Moranis Returns: Helmet and All
Rick Moranis’s return as Dark Helmet is another major highlight. After stepping away from the spotlight to raise his children following the death of his wife, Moranis has only made a few brief appearances, such as his viral Mint Mobile ad with Ryan Reynolds.
Mel Brooks had previously stated, “Without Rick, I wouldn’t do it.” And now, the helmet is coming out of storage for the original wearer. Moranis’s return is a sign that Spaceballs 2 is not just a cash grab — it’s being made with heart.
Spaceballs Sequel Release Date and What to Expect
The Spaceballs sequel is scheduled for a cinematic release in 2027, giving the team ample time to ensure it meets the expectations of fans old and new. While we await a trailer or teaser, speculation is high.
The film’s comedic targets could include modern blockbusters like Dune, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and The Mandalorian. Expect lightsabers, sandworms, and streaming jokes to be fair game.
Final Thoughts: The Galaxy Is Giddy with Excitement
Mel Brooks has long been the king of parody, and Spaceballs remains one of his most enduring works. With a perfect blend of returning icons and rising stars, Mel Brooks Spaceballs 2 is shaping up to be a loving, hilarious continuation of a cult classic. The combination of Bill Pullman, Rick Moranis, Keke Palmer, and Lewis Pullman is one that fans are eager to see light up the big screen.
So, whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the saga, prepare for takeoff — because in 2027, Spaceballs is going to ludicrous speed once again.
