The cast for Spaceballs 2 has officially been unveiled by Amazon MGM Studios, and it looks like all the stars in the original 1987 comedy are returning for the sequel. Spaceballs 2 has been in development since 2024, when writer and star Josh Gad started teasing fans with a possible revival of the Star Wars spoof. After extensive negotiations and script approval, production is now underway. Naturally, the question everybody has had since the project’s announcement is whether the original cast will return, and now we can confirm that they are. Yes, even Rick Moranis has come out of retirement to play the Darth Vader-like Dark Helmet.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, an image posted earlier today confirms the beginning of the shoot. The image shows many involved in the sequel, including Gad, who will co-write the film as well as portray a mystery character. Newcomers also include Keke Palmer, Anthony Carrigan, and Lewis Pullman. Fans were also relieved when they saw that original cast members Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, Rick Moranis, and George Wyner were present at the table read.
Moranis’ presence is very special, as the Ghostbusters actor retired years ago to take care of his children after his wife passed away. Wyner (Col. Sandurz in the original film) has only appeared in a handful of films and TV shows in recent years. The only one missing in the image is Mel Brooks, but the original director and star has already shared that he will reprise his role as President Skroob and Yogurt. Of course, late performers like John Candy and Joan Rivers will likely see their memory honored by their returning co-stars.
The film, also known as Spaceballs II: The Search for More Money according to one of the gags in the original film, is set for release in 2027. The screenplay will be written by Gad, Brooks, and co-writers Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez. Brooks is not directing the film this time, and instead, Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, Will Harper) will be sitting in the director’s chair.
What Is ‘Spaceballs 2’ About?
The original Spaceballs became a cult film after its lukewarm reception in theaters. It only grossed over $40 million from a $22 million production budget, and had a mixed reaction from the critics at the time. The film mostly spoofs the Star Wars universe, but also has plenty of nods to other major film franchises. Some of the jokes landed, so much so that they became iconic in Hollywood comedy. But the question is, will these jokes work with today’s vastly different audiences?
Plot details remain under wraps, and almost no one outside that table read actually knows what Spaceballs 2 is about. However, one thing’s for sure. Brooks is a movie legend, and he has a unique style of comedy. He wouldn’t have greenlit the sequel unless Gad presented him with notable original material. Spaceballs 2 has become one of the most hyped projects in recent years, and although nostalgia plays a good part, the buzz around the comedy is also related to which modern blockbusters or franchises it will parody.
