Rick Moranis Returns for ‘Spaceballs’ Sequel Announcement

Rick Moranis delighted fans at Comic-Con International in San Diego by revealing details about the long-awaited sequel to ‘Spaceballs.’ The audience erupted in cheers as the 73-year-old actor, who has been largely absent from Hollywood, stepped onto the stage to announce his reprisal of the Dark Helmet role in ‘Spaceballs: The New One.’

Moranis surprised fans by blending in with the crowd, hiding under his character’s large helmet. Accompanied by a comedic scene where film soldiers combed the area looking for him, he eventually joined the panel discussion. Reflecting on his decision, Moranis shared, ‘This came along at the right time. It just felt like the best decision. It’s like family to me.’

He was joined onstage by Daphne Zuniga, director Josh Greenbaum, and writers Josh Gad, Dan Hernandez, and Benji Samit. New additions to the cast, Keke Palmer and Lewis Pullman, also made appearances. Although character details for Palmer and Pullman are yet to be disclosed, both expressed excitement about the project.

Lewis Pullman, son of Bill Pullman who starred as Lone Starr in the original, shared his initial hesitation due to his connection with the original film. However, he was won over by the script, calling it ‘one of the funniest scripts’ he has ever read. ‘I rarely laugh out loud when I’m reading scripts,’ Pullman noted.

Mel Brooks and Bill Pullman, though not present, sent greetings via prerecorded video messages. Fans were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at Brooks recording in a vocal booth and interacting with Bill Pullman and Zuniga.

Josh Gad, on the panel, confirmed his role as a mawg, distinct from the late John Candy’s character, Barf. Gad assured that the new film would pay tribute to original cast members like Candy, Joan Rivers, Dom DeLuise, and Dick Van Patten, who have since passed away.

The team amused the audience with a parody of Marvel’s cinematic universe timeline, showcasing imagined sequels in the ‘The Almighty Schwartz Saga’ across the expo’s wrap-around screens.