Mel Brooks and the Return of ‘Spaceballs’

Mel Brooks, at the age of 100, played a key role in the return of Spaceballs. He emphasized the need to film his scenes promptly due to his age. We filmed ‘Spaceballs: The New One’ that Mel Brooks worked with the writers on. He’s a big influence in it. He filmed his part already before we shot, said Daphne Zuniga, who reprises her role as Princess Vespa.

The upcoming sequel brings back familiar characters and introduces new ones. Daphne Zuniga shared that the film will release on April 23rd next year. Rick Moranis returns as Lord Dark Helmet, and Bill Pullman reprises his role as Zuniga’s on-screen husband. His real-life son, Lewis Pullman, plays their character’s son, the prince. Keke Palmer joins the cast as well.

Spaceballs initially debuted in 1987 with Brooks co-writing and producing it. The comedic film parodied science fiction classics like Star Wars, Star Trek, and Alien. The story follows Lone Starr, portrayed by Bill Pullman, and Barf, played by John Candy, as they attempt to save Princess Vespa from Dark Helmet and President Skroob.

Mel Brooks revealed that during the original film’s production, Rick Moranis’s performance was so hilarious it often caused the crew to laugh and spoil takes. Brooks warned the crew not to break character, but often found himself joining in the laughter.

Rick Moranis, returning to his iconic role, expressed that stepping back into Dark Helmet’s character felt surreal. During a San Diego Comic-Con panel, he remarked on how strange it felt to reunite with his co-stars, while also working alongside new actors. And I realized I was their age 39 years ago when we made this, he said. Yet, despite the initial oddity, he grew to love revisiting the character.