Rick Moranis Returns for ‘Spaceballs’ Sequel Announcement at Comic-Con

Rick Moranis, beloved by fans for his role in the cult classic ‘Spaceballs,’ finally addressed the question fans have often asked: ‘When will there be a sequel?’ During Comic-Con International in San Diego, fans were thrilled when Moranis joined a panel to promote ‘Spaceballs: The New One,’ the long-anticipated follow-up to the 1987 film.

The 73-year-old actor, who has been largely absent from Hollywood, made an impactful entrance. Clad in his character Dark Helmet’s oversized headgear, Moranis was ‘found’ by soldiers from the film using an oversized comb. ‘This opportunity came at an ideal moment,’ said Moranis regarding the new film slated for release next April. ‘It felt perfect. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. Working on this feels like being with family.’

Director Josh Greenbaum, writer and actor Josh Gad, writers Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, along with cast members Daphne Zuniga, Keke Palmer, and Lewis Pullman joined Moranis on stage. Though Palmer and Pullman’s characters remain shrouded in mystery, Palmer expressed her excitement, stating, ‘It was so funny; I kept thinking, ‘Can you believe they wrote that?’’

Lewis Pullman confessed initial hesitation due to memories of watching the original with his father, Bill Pullman, who portrayed Lone Starr. ‘I read the script and thought, ‘This is incredible. It’s one of the funniest scripts ever.’ It’s rare I laugh out loud while reading,’ he noted. ‘I realized it would be strange not to participate.’

Although Mel Brooks and Bill Pullman were not present, they communicated with fans through a video. Fans enjoyed behind-the-scenes clips of Brooks recording dialogue and moments with Pullman and Zuniga, plus a taste of the teaser trailer.

Gad announced that he plays a character similar to a mawg but clarified he will not reprise John Candy’s role of Barf. Gad assured the audience that the sequel pays tribute to original cast members who have passed away, including Joan Rivers, Dom DeLuise, and Dick Van Patten. The event included a playful parody mocking Marvel Studios’ extensive cinematic timelines, displayed humorously across Hall H with imagined sequels in over 11 phases of ‘The Almighty Schwartz Saga.’