Full Breakdown
Rick Moranis Returns to Live-Action Film in “Spaceballs 2: The New One”
7/29/2026, 1:09:08 PM
Return After Nearly Three Decades
After almost 30 years away from on-screen acting, comedy veteran Rick Moranis stepped back into a live-action role in the fall of 2026, reprising Lord Dark Helmet for “Spaceballs 2: The New One.” His last live-action feature was the 1997 sequel *Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves*, while the 2000s saw him limited to voice work, including both installments of Disney’s *Brother Bear* franchise and the Canadian animated sitcom *Bob & Doug*, which he co-created. The sequel reunites Moranis with original “Spaceballs” co-stars George Wyner, Daphne Zuniga, Bill Pullman, and Mel Brooks, and introduces newcomers Josh Gad, Keke Palmer, Lewis Pullman, and Anthony Carrigan. The 1987 original, a parody of sci-fi epics, became a cult favorite, making Moranis’s return a focal point for fans of the franchise.
Production and Cast
Directed by Josh Greenbaum—known for *Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar* and *Will & Harper*—the film pairs the original ensemble with fresh talent. Gad co-wrote the screenplay alongside Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez. Moranis described the set as a “time warp,” noting the contrast between his younger self and the now-adult children of his former co-stars.
Scheduled Release
*Spaceballs 2: The New One* is slated to open in theaters on April 23, 2027.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Well, I kept having to pinch myself because I would look at Daphne [Zuniga] and Bill [Pullman] and George Wyner. And then there were all these young people,” — Rick Moranis
- “And I realized I was their age 39 years ago when we made this. And here we are now and my kids are the age of this.” — Rick Moranis
Why It Matters
Moranis’s comeback highlights a rare instance of a beloved 1980s comic actor returning to a franchise after a multi-decade hiatus, offering both nostalgic appeal for original fans and exposure to a new generation. By sharing screen time with actors such as Keke Palmer and Josh Gad, the sequel aims to bridge the humor of the 1980s with contemporary comedic sensibilities. The film’s blend of legacy performers and emerging talent underscores Hollywood’s broader trend of reviving classic properties with contemporary talent.
