• Thursday, June 19, 2025

Entertainment

Rick Moranis returns as Dark Helmet in ‘Spaceballs 2’: A hilarious sequel blending nostalgia and new heroes

Spaceballs 2 movie 2027, Rick Moranis returns, Bill Pullman Spaceballs sequel, Keke Palmer sci-fi film, Lewis Pullman Spaceballs, Mel Brooks Spaceballs 2027, Spaceballs reboot sequel, Josh Gad Spaceballs

Rick Moranis during Official US Open celebrity Men’s singles finals “Buzz” party hosted by the USTA at USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadow, New York, United States. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

By: Vibhuti Pathak

Amazon MGM Studios is bringing back the beloved sci-fi parody with a new Spaceballs movie slated for theatrical release in 2027, reuniting original stars Bill Pullman and Rick Moranis alongside fresh talent like Keke Palmer and Lewis Pullman.

The sequel promises to be a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation, described by insiders as “A Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film.”

Original Stars Return: Bill Pullman and Rick Moranis

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Bill Pullman and Rick Moranis will reprise their iconic roles as Lone Starr and Dark Helmet, respectively. Moranis’s return is especially noteworthy, marking his first live-action film appearance in nearly three decades.

Known for his memorable performances in classics like Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Moranis has largely stepped back from acting since the late 1990s to focus on family but has recently appeared in voice roles and commercials. His comeback as the villainous Dark Helmet has fans excited for a revival of the original’s comedic charm.

Mel Brooks Reprises Role and Creative Involvement

Joining them is Mel Brooks, the original Spaceballs director and star, who will reprise his role as Yogurt, the wise and humorous mentor figure. Brooks’s involvement ensures the sequel retains the spirit and wit that made the 1987 film a cult classic.

New Cast Members: Keke Palmer and Lewis Pullman

New cast additions include Keke Palmer, known for her recent work in One of Them Days and upcoming projects like Amazon’s The Pickup and Aziz Ansari’s Good Fortune. Details about Palmer’s character remain under wraps, adding to the anticipation.

Also joining the cast is Lewis Pullman, son of Bill Pullman, who will portray Starburst, the son of Lone Starr and Queen Vespa. This father-son casting adds a fresh generational dynamic to the story, with Starburst set to be one of the film’s central characters alongside Palmer’s Destiny and a yet-to-be-named role played by Josh Gad.

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Creative Team and Production Details

Josh Gad, who co-wrote the screenplay with Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez, is expected to star and produce the film. The project is directed by Josh Greenbaum, known for Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, and produced by Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer and Jeb Brody, alongside Brooks, Greenbaum, Gad, and others.

Legacy of the Original Spaceballs

The original Spaceballs was a parody of the sci-fi genre, particularly Star Wars, blending absurd humor with clever references. It followed the villainous Dark Helmet and President Skroob as they attempted to steal the atmosphere of the peaceful planet Druidia, only to be thwarted by Lone Starr, his sidekick Barf (John Candy), and Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga). Though it grossed around $38 million worldwide, the film’s enduring popularity has cemented its status as a cult favorite.

What to Expect from the Sequel

The upcoming sequel aims to expand the franchise while honoring its roots, balancing legacy characters with new faces and storylines. The studio’s tongue-in-cheek description hints at a playful approach that respects fans’ expectations while introducing fresh elements.

Star Power and Anticipation

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Bill Pullman, who recently appeared in series like The Sinner and films such as Dark Waters, brings his seasoned presence back to the role of Lone Starr. Meanwhile, Keke Palmer’s rising star power and Lewis Pullman’s recent successes in Top Gun: Maverick and Thunderbolts promise to bring new energy to the franchise.

Fans of the original Spaceballs and newcomers alike can look forward to a blend of classic comedy, sci-fi satire, and contemporary storytelling when the film hits theaters in 2027.

With the return of beloved characters and the infusion of new talent, Spaceballs 2 is poised to reignite the Schwartz and deliver a hilarious adventure for a new generation.

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