Spaceballs 2 Commences Production, As Moranis Returns for Table Read

The Schwartz Is Strong: Original Cast Reunites in Shock Announcement

After decades of speculation, rumour, and the faint, unsettling whiff of stale pizza, the impossible has finally occurred: Spaceballs 2 has officially commenced production. The sci-fi parody sequel, first mooted over a year ago, has confirmed its status as a concrete cinematic reality, marked by a historic table read that saw the return of some of the original film’s most beloved stars.

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The biggest revelation—and arguably the most exciting news for British film fans—is the official return of Rick Moranis as the gloriously diminutive villain, Dark Helmet. Moranis, who has been largely absent from the silver screen for many years, took his place alongside Bill Pullman (Lone Starr) and Daphne Zuniga (Princess Vespa) for the reading. George Wyner is also reprising his role as Colonel Sanders.

The sight of the principal cast gathered for the script read-through, which cheekily spoofed the famous photo from J.J. Abrams’ The Force Awakens production start, confirms that the meta-comedic spirit of the 1987 classic remains intact.

Original visionary Mel Brooks is also back on board as a producer and star (President Skroob and Yogurt), though he participated in the table read remotely via video conference—proving that even the greatest spoof artists embrace modern technology.

Filling the huge boots of the new generation is a stellar line-up of contemporary talent. The ensemble is bolstered by the likes of Josh Gad, who co-wrote the script with Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez and is also taking a starring role. They are joined by Keke Palmer (Nope), the highly-regarded Anthony Carrigan (Barry), and, in a fascinating piece of casting symmetry, Lewis Pullman, son of Bill Pullman and star of Thunderbolts*.

Directing the non-prequel, non-reboot sequel is Josh Greenbaum, known for the wonderfully eccentric comedy Barb And Star Go To Vista Del Mar. His appointment suggests a suitably off-the-wall sensibility guiding the project.

With a potential release date pencilled in for 2027, the long-awaited return of Lone Starr, Dark Helmet, and the denizens of the Spaceballs-verse appears set to capitalise on the current desire for high-calibre spoof cinema, following the recent success of other revival projects. It seems the Schwartz is indeed with them. We, for one, are utterly chuffed.