Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Preview:
- A ‘Spaceballs’ sequel is in the works with much of the original cast returning.
- Without the original actors reprising these roles, ‘Spaceballs 2’ would likely lack what is needed for it to succeed.
- The addition of Lewis Pullman, Josh Gad, & Keke Palmer is also a brilliant move.
A ‘Spaceballs’ sequel is in the works after nearly forty years and while that is exciting enough information on its own, the fact that much of the cast is returning is the icing on the cake.
Described as “a non-prequel non-reboot sequel part two but with reboot elements franchise expansion film”. Plot TBA. Read the Plot
Unless ‘Spaceballs 2’ were to follow a group of completely new characters (think ‘Star Wars’ prequels or sequels), there is no way getting around replacing these actors. The film is so iconic that simply recasting would not only be a kick in the teeth to the actors (and the fans) but it would likely never capture the same satirical vibe that it needs to on order to be a success.
‘Spaceballs’ is a beloved film, a cult classic if you will, and needs to be treated as such. To bring in all new people, without any true ties to the original, would be a disgrace. The original cast members are not just perfect choices to play these characters, but the right choices to play them, as well.
Related Article: Mel Brooks, Bill Pullman & Daphne Zuniga Back for ‘Spaceballs’ Sequel
No One Could Replace Rick Moranis As Dark Helmet
(L to R) Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet and George Wyner as Colonel Sandurz in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Rick Moranis is that actor who would be the hardest to replace and keep fans feeling as if Dark Helmet is the same character. It would be just like ‘Star Wars’ putting out a movie featuring Darth Vader and not using James Earl Jones’ iconic voice. It would immediately feel like an impression, an imitation, and not the same thing.
This is the most surprising return for most, considering that he hasn’t acted in quite sometime. His last live-action role was ‘Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves’, which release in 1997. After that he did lend his voice to several animated projects, but ultimately gave up acting more or less in 2008. It is a treat to have him return and quite honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
The main cast are such iconic characters that it simply makes sense to have the actors who know them inside and out come back and reprise their roles. As long as they are willing and able, there truly is no reason to recast.
Mel Brooks and Daphne Zuniga Are Also, Thankfully, Returning
(L to R) Joan Rivers as the voice of Dot Matrix and Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Mel Brooks directed and starred in the original 1987 film. He is currently 98 years old, so his return for ‘Spaceballs 2’ as Yogurt is a bit shocking. That said, he can simply provide the voice via a recording booth if necessary, and have a stand-in actor if need be, due to the nature of the character. While fans would love to see him don the iconic gold makeup, that is simply not necessary with today’s technology. Of course, that would be ideal, but there are work arounds if they are needed.
Daphne Zuniga returning as Princess Vespa is no surprise to many as she has continued to act since ‘Spaceballs’. Knowing that Princess Vespa and Lone Starr marry at the end of the first film is the perfect lead-in to introducing their child, who will likely be the main focus of ‘Spaceballs 2’.
Sadly one of the most memorable characters, Barf, cannot be portrayed by the original actor, John Candy, as he has passed away. It is hard for fans of ‘Spaceballs’ to imagine a sequel without this particular character, so odds are Barf will either be recast, or one of his offsprings will join in the adventure. This is likely where Josh Gad steps in, because has the comedic chops to pull it off, although we do not yet know for sure.
Lewis Pullman Joining His Father, Bill Pullman, As His Son Is A Brilliant Casting Choice
Bob (Lewis Pullman) in Marvel Studios’ ‘Thunderbolts*’. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. © 2025 Marvel.
Lewis Pullman coming in as Lone Starr’s son, which is fitting becauae his father, Bill Pullman, is reprising that role as well for ‘Spaceballs 2′. Having both Pullmans on screen is sure to be a joyful fans, but it will also make their moments together believable. As with Rick Moranis’ return as Dark Helmet, finding a replacement actor for Bill Pullman’s Lone Starr would prove to be incredibly difficult.
Bringing in Lewis Pullman is a brilliant move because not only is he the perfect person to carry on the Lone Starr legacy because of his father, he is also a great actor, which he has proven time and time again, most recently in ‘Thunderbolts*’.
Keke Palmer also joins the ‘Spaceballs 2’ cast in an undisclosed role. Another comedic genuis who is sure to fit into this crazy Sci-Fi world perfectly.
Josh Gads Love For The Original ‘Spaceballs’ Is Reassuring
(Left) Mel Brooks in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. (Right) Josh Gad in ‘The Wedding Ringer’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
Josh Gad is leading the charge on ‘Spaceballs 2’, reportedly starring and producing. He also apparently wrote the sequel. Not only does he know his way around comedy, he is also a big fan of the original film. He has admitted to seeing ‘Spaceballs’ before even seeing ‘Star Wars’. Knowing that he is such a big fan himself should put minds at ease. Surely he would not agree to star in something that doss have the same vibe and feeling of the original, which he loves so much.
While not much is known about the story yet, ‘Spaceballs 2’ will clearly be set a long time after the events of ‘Spaceballs’. The actors have aged forty years, which is something you simply cannot avoid. Plus, with Lewis Pullman playing the adult son of Lone Starr, we know time must have passed. There are so many routes they can go, but with the original cast on board, fans will have high hopes that they can recreate magic.
Amazon MGM’s ‘Spaceballs 2’ is set to release in 2027. There is no confirmation yet as to if it will head to theaters yet, or release exclusively on Prime Video.
(L to R) John Candy, Joan Rivers, Daphne Zuniga and Bill Pullman in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
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