The title alone sounds like a joke Mel Brooks would have made in 1987 and then somehow gotten away with twice. But it is real: the long-awaited Spaceballs sequel is officially titled Spaceballs: The New One, and Amazon MGM unveiled that name during its CinemaCon presentation. The film is set for a theatrical release on April 23, 2027, and the reveal also confirmed that Rick Moranis is back as Dark Helmet alongside returning cast members including Bill Pullman. That is already enough to get attention. For Star Wars fans, though, there is a second story here. Salute! Spaceballs: The New One is coming to theaters April 23, 2027. pic.twitter.com/aPgIpJB8JO — Amazon MGM Studios (@AmazonMGMStudio) April 16, 2026 Because Spaceballs is not just some random old parody making a comeback. It is still the most famous Star Wars spoof ever made, the one that turned George Lucas-era space fantasy into merch…
Dark Helmet
Rick Moranis Returns from Retirement as Dark Helmet in Spaceballs 2
Big news for fans of intergalactic parody: Rick Moranis is officially coming out of (nearly three decades of) retirement to reprise his iconic role as Dark Helmet in Spaceballs 2. This return is especially significant given Moranis’s long hiatus from live-action films. His last on-screen appearance was back in Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves (1997). Since then, he’s largely stepped away from acting to focus on his family, preferring behind-the-scenes work and occasional voice roles. What We Know About Spaceballs 2 Cast & Returnees Production & Format Why Moranis’s Return Matters Iconic Role, Iconic Actor Dark Helmet is arguably one of Spaceballs’ most recognizable figures—an absurd parody of dark lords in sci-fi lore. Having Moranis return restores a major part of the film’s charm and continuity. World-Building & Nostalgia Longtime fans have long hoped for Moranis’s return. Mel Brooks himself had previously stated he would not make a proper sequel unless…