Dark Helmet Returns: Rick Moranis's Stunning Comeback in 'Spaceballs 2'

Olivia Bennett, 6/17/2025Darlings, hold onto your oversized helmets! The impossible has warped into reality as Rick Moranis emerges from his Hollywood hibernation to join Mel Brooks in "Spaceballs 2." This star-studded sequel promises to bring both nostalgia and fresh faces to our screens in 2027. May the Schwartz be with us all!

The biggest bombshell? Rick Moranis — yes, that Rick Moranis — is emerging from his self-imposed exile like Garbo deciding to talk again. For those who've been too busy keeping up with the Kardashians to remember, Moranis pulled the ultimate anti-Hollywood move in the '90s, choosing family over fame with the kind of grace that makes most PR-manufactured "breaks" look positively amateur.

Mel Brooks, darling Mel, who's somehow managing to approach his centennial with more wit than half of today's TikTok comedians combined, is slipping back into his golden Yogurt costume. In classic Brooks fashion, he announced the project with the kind of zinger that reminds us why he's still the emperor of parody: "After 40 years, we asked, 'What do the fans want?' But instead, we're making this movie." Honestly, where's his TikTok account?

The project's official title is a mouthful that would make even awards season presenters break into a sweat: "A Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film." Somewhere, a marketing intern is already having nightmares about fitting that on a poster.

Bill Pullman's return as Lone Starr brings an extra sprinkle of stardust — he's bringing along his real-life son, Lewis Pullman. It's giving us major space dynasty vibes, sweetie, and we're here for it. Even Tim Russ might return, though hopefully with better desert-combing equipment this time around.

Fresh blood comes in the form of the absolutely fabulous Keke Palmer, cast as someone named "Destiny" — though the role's being kept under wraps tighter than a celebrity's pre-Oscar juice cleanse. Josh Gad is stepping into some mighty big paws as Barf Jr., carrying on John Candy's legacy with what we can only hope is the same heart and humor that made the original so special.

Behind the velvet rope, the creative team reads like a who's who of modern comedy. Josh Greenbaum's directing, while the writing team had to pitch their vision to Brooks himself in what sounds like the most nerve-wracking 40 minutes since the last time Meryl Streep read for a role (as if she needs to).

What's absolutely delicious about this whole affair is how it mirrors the original's journey from modest theatrical run to cult phenomenon. The 1987 film scored a measly 52% with critics (darling, what did they know?) while audiences gave it a much more respectable 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. Now, with Amazon MGM Studios backing this sequel, it seems the Schwartz has finally come full circle — and brought its platinum card.

After years of false starts that would rival a Hollywood starlet's dating history, including Moranis's delightfully meta 2013 pitch for "Spaceballs III: The Search for Spaceballs II," the stars have finally aligned. The only question left hanging in the air like last season's fashion trends is whether this new installment can capture the magic while spoofing our current sci-fi obsessed culture.

But darlings, with enough superhero franchises to fill a cosplay convention and Star Wars spinoffs multiplying faster than tribbles, there's certainly no shortage of material to work with. May the Schwartz be with them — they're going to need it.

Hold onto your designer shades, darlings — the impossible just strutted down Hollywood Boulevard. After decades of will-they-won't-they speculation that would put any soap opera to shame, Spaceballs 2 is officially happening. And honey, this isn't just any reunion; it's the full-blown, sequined, intergalactic extravaganza we never thought we'd see.The biggest bombshell? Rick Moranis — yes, that Rick Moranis — is emerging from his self-imposed exile like Garbo deciding to talk again. For those who've been too busy keeping up with the Kardashians to remember, Moranis pulled the ultimate anti-Hollywood move in the '90s, choosing family over fame with the kind of grace that makes most PR-manufactured "breaks" look positively amateur.Mel Brooks, darling Mel, who's somehow managing to approach his centennial with more wit than half of today's TikTok comedians combined, is slipping back into his golden Yogurt costume. In classic Brooks fashion, he announced the project with the kind of zinger that reminds us why he's still the emperor of parody: "After 40 years, we asked, 'What do the fans want?' But instead, we're making this movie." Honestly, where's his TikTok account?The project's official title is a mouthful that would make even awards season presenters break into a sweat: "A Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film." Somewhere, a marketing intern is already having nightmares about fitting that on a poster.Bill Pullman's return as Lone Starr brings an extra sprinkle of stardust — he's bringing along his real-life son, Lewis Pullman. It's giving us major space dynasty vibes, sweetie, and we're here for it. Even Tim Russ might return, though hopefully with better desert-combing equipment this time around.Fresh blood comes in the form of the absolutely fabulous Keke Palmer, cast as someone named "Destiny" — though the role's being kept under wraps tighter than a celebrity's pre-Oscar juice cleanse. Josh Gad is stepping into some mighty big paws as Barf Jr., carrying on John Candy's legacy with what we can only hope is the same heart and humor that made the original so special.Behind the velvet rope, the creative team reads like a who's who of modern comedy. Josh Greenbaum's directing, while the writing team had to pitch their vision to Brooks himself in what sounds like the most nerve-wracking 40 minutes since the last time Meryl Streep read for a role (as if she needs to).What's absolutely delicious about this whole affair is how it mirrors the original's journey from modest theatrical run to cult phenomenon. The 1987 film scored a measly 52% with critics (darling, what did they know?) while audiences gave it a much more respectable 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. Now, with Amazon MGM Studios backing this sequel, it seems the Schwartz has finally come full circle — and brought its platinum card.After years of false starts that would rival a Hollywood starlet's dating history, including Moranis's delightfully meta 2013 pitch for "Spaceballs III: The Search for Spaceballs II," the stars have finally aligned. The only question left hanging in the air like last season's fashion trends is whether this new installment can capture the magic while spoofing our current sci-fi obsessed culture.But darlings, with enough superhero franchises to fill a cosplay convention and Star Wars spinoffs multiplying faster than tribbles, there's certainly no shortage of material to work with. May the Schwartz be with them — they're going to need it.