After nearly four decades of fan speculation, Internet jokes, and wishful thinking, it’s finally real: Spaceballs 2 is officially happening. As reported yesterday by us with the first teaser, the film is now confirmed to be titled Spaceballs 2: The Schwartz Awakens and it’s heading to theaters in 2027, just in time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Mel Brooks’ original sci-fi parody masterpiece.
Stepping behind the camera is director Josh Greenbaum. The screenplay comes from Benji Samit, Dan Hernandez, and Josh Gad, with Gad also pulling triple duty as co-writer, producer, and star. Gad first confirmed the project’s existence back in June 2024, when he revealed that he and Mel Brooks were working together to bring the sequel to life.
Speaking of Brooks, he’s back! At 98 years old, the comedy legend is donning the gold robes once more as Yogurt, his gloriously merch-hungry parody of Yoda. Despite not writing or directing this time around, Brooks will appear in the film, bringing his signature comic timing and fourth-wall-breaking charm to a whole new generation of fans.
Even more exciting for longtime fans, Rick Moranis is returning as Dark Helmet. Yes, that Rick Moranis, who’s spent most of the last few decades out of the spotlight. The fact that he’s back for this project says a lot about the script, the cast, and the sheer gravitational pull of the Schwartz. Alongside him is Bill Pullman, who reprises his role as the scruffy, reluctant hero Lone Starr.
New faces are joining the fun too. Keke Palmer has signed on in an undisclosed role, and Bill Pullman’s real-life son, Lewis Pullman, is also aboard the cast in a mystery part that already has fans speculating wildly. Could he be the next generation of Lone Starr? A new Prince Valium? Only time will tell.
As for the plot, that remains as locked up as a Spaceball One escape pod. Studio insiders have referred to it as “a Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film.” In other words, it’s a sequel that knows it’s a sequel but also kind of acts like a reboot. Very on-brand for Spaceballs, which has never been afraid to mock the conventions of the movie industry while diving headfirst into them.
The film is being produced by a very competent team, including Josh Gad, Mel Brooks, and director Josh Greenbaum, along with Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, and Jeb Brody from Imagine Entertainment. Executive producers include Kevin Salter, Adam Merims, Benji Samit, and Dan Hernandez.
With the perfect mix of returning icons and fresh talent, Spaceballs 2: The Schwartz Awakens is shaping up to be exactly the kind of ridiculous, self-aware, quote-worthy comedy that fans have been craving. It’s not just a sequel, it’s an intergalactic event nearly 40 years in the making. And if the Schwartz has anything to say about it, it’ll be worth every ludicrous second.
[Via]