Rick Moranis Makes First Comic-Con Appearance for 'Spaceballs: The New One' Sequel

Why this matters: This sequel represents a rare convergence of legacy comedy royalty (Brooks, Moranis) with today's mainstream stars (Josh Gad, Keke Palmer, Lewis Pullman). For fans of 80s comedy and *Star Wars* parody, it bridges generations of humor in an era dominated by franchise nostalgia.

The Panel That Broke the Comic-Con Mold

Amazon MGM Studios went big for its Hall H presentation, following the same immersive format used for *Project Hail Mary* in 2025. The 180-degree wrap-around screens displayed a mock timeline of the *Spaceballs* cinematic universe across 11 phases — a direct parody of how Marvel Studios unveils its multi-year plans. As Deadline noted, "The screens displayed several iterations of *Spaceballs* through 11 phases including musicals and unidentified release dates."

Rick Moranis: A Beloved Recluse Returns

Moranis has been largely absent from film and television for most of this century. His return in the *Spaceballs* sequel is headline-making. During the panel, he joked: *"I started talking to Mel about a sequel in 1989, and we kept talking about it. I really wasn't retired. I was just negotiating!"* Kevin Smith, who moderated the panel, told Moranis: *"You made our childhoods better."*

Josh Gad's Journey to the Sequel

Gad recounted how the sequel originated from a conversation with his daughter after they watched the original *Spaceballs*. When she asked why there was no Part 2, Gad told her the "weird little alien guy" (Pizza the Hutt) saying there'd be one was a joke. Her response — *"Well, why isn't there a part 2?"* — sparked the dream that led Gad to pitch the idea to Brooks.

Mel Brooks' Guiding Hand

Director Josh Greenbaum shared a moment with Brooks before filming began. When asked for advice, Brooks simply said: *"Don't say 'Cut!' first. It's 'Action!,' and then 'Cut!'"* Greenbaum's takeaway: *"Don't take this too seriously and go out there and have fun."* Brooks' politically incorrect brand of humor remains intact, with Moranis noting: *"There's room in a Mel Brooks movie for the smartest joke you've ever thought of and the dumbest one."*

What We Know About the Sequel

While no trailer was released, the panel showed a clip longer than the one at CinemaCon. It featured Brooks as Yogurt, Keke Palmer and Lewis Pullman's characters on an adventure, Daphne Zuniga as Queen Vespa, and culminated with an Avatar Na'vi entering a men's room. The new film, Gad said, *"takes a look at the state of movies and nostalgia"* — a fitting meta-commentary for a sequel arriving nearly 40 years later.

When does *Spaceballs: The New One* release?

The film is scheduled to hit theaters on April 23, 2027.

Is Mel Brooks in the new movie?

Yes. Brooks returns as Yogurt and was involved in the film's development despite turning 100 years old.

Does Josh Gad play Barf?

No. Gad plays a new "mog" character. He stated that Barf is "singularly John Candy's role" and that the film is a love letter to the late comedian.

Why has Rick Moranis been absent from Hollywood?

Moranis stepped away from acting in the late 1990s after the death of his wife. He has made rare appearances since, making this Comic-Con debut and sequel return especially significant.

Will there be a trailer released soon?

No trailer was shown at Comic-Con, and reports indicate one won't be released immediately following the panel.

The *Spaceballs* sequel is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated comedy releases of 2027. With a 100-year-old Mel Brooks still writing jokes, Rick Moranis returning to the screen, and a cast that balances legacy stars with fresh talent, this could redefine how nostalgic sequels are made.

Do you think a *Spaceballs* cinematic universe is a brilliant parody or a step too far? Let us know in the comments!

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