Pullman and Rick Moranis Returning for New ‘Spaceballs’ Sequel; Keke Palmer Joins Cast
In a major development for fans of classiBill c sci-fi comedies, Bill Pullman and Rick Moranis are officially set to return as Lone Starr and Dark Helmet in a brand-new Spaceballs sequel, currently in the works at Amazon MGM Studios. Sources close to the production have confirmed the casting, with Keke Palmer (known for One of Them Days) also joining the ensemble in an undisclosed role.
While Amazon has yet to release an official statement, details about Palmer’s character and the film’s storyline are being kept tightly under wraps. Moranis’ involvement is particularly noteworthy, as the beloved comedic actor has made only a handful of appearances on screen in recent decades.
Also making a comeback is comedy legend Mel Brooks, who directed and starred in the 1987 original. Brooks will reprise his role as Yogurt in the upcoming film, which is expected to hit theaters in 2027. The sequel has been humorously described by insiders as “a non-prequel, non-reboot sequel part two—with reboot elements and franchise expansion.”
Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) is set to direct, working from a script penned by Benji Samit, Dan Hernandez, and Josh Gad. Gad is also slated to appear in the movie and will serve as a producer alongside Brian Grazer and Jeb Brody of Imagine Entertainment, Mel Brooks, and Greenbaum. Executive producers include Kevin Salter, Adam Merims, Samit, and Hernandez.
The original Spaceballs, released in 1987 by MGM, has earned a devoted fanbase over the years. The film satirized the sci-fi genre, especially Star Wars and other space-themed epics like 2001: A Space Odyssey. It followed Dark Helmet and President Skroob (also played by Brooks) in their attempt to steal the air from planet Druidia, only to be challenged by Lone Starr, his loyal companion Barf (played by the late John Candy), Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga), and others. While the film grossed around $38 million worldwide, it has since become a cult classic.
Bill Pullman, recognized for his roles in Independence Day and Lost Highway, has continued to work in both TV and film, including appearances in The Sinner, The High Note, and Dark Waters. He will soon be seen in Netflix’s The Boroughs from the Duffer Brothers, as well as in A24’s Famous, co-starring Zac Efron.
Rick Moranis and Keke Palmer: Career Highlights and Upcoming Projects
A beloved figure from the 1980s and ’90s, Rick Moranis became a household name through memorable roles in iconic films like Ghostbusters, Little Shop of Horrors, and the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids franchise. He initially rose to prominence through his work as a writer and performer on the legendary Canadian sketch comedy series SCTV. In the late ’90s, Moranis made the personal decision to step away from acting to focus on raising his children following the death of his wife, costume designer Ann Belsky. While he’s remained largely out of the spotlight since then, he made a brief and buzzworthy return in 2020, appearing in a Mint Mobile commercial alongside Ryan Reynolds.
Keke Palmer, meanwhile, continues to build momentum in her film career. She recently starred in the TriStar buddy comedy One of Them Days alongside music star SZA. The film performed well enough to spark development on a sequel. Palmer’s upcoming projects include a leading role in The Pickup, a heist comedy from Amazon co-starring Eddie Murphy, set for release on August 6. She also appears in Good Fortune, a Lionsgate comedy directed by Aziz Ansari, arriving in theaters October 17. Additionally, Palmer is part of Boots Riley’s upcoming Neon project, I Love Boosters.
Rick Moranis: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001551/
Keke Palmer: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0655209/