Mel Brooks Returns as Yogurt in Spaceballs Sequel, Amazon Sets 2027 Theatrical Release

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Los Angeles, June 12: After years of whispers, it’s now official—Mel Brooks is stepping back into one of his most memorable roles, reviving Yogurt in the long-awaited sequel to Spaceballs. The film is scheduled to release theatrically in 2027, as confirmed by Amazon MGM Studios earlier this week.

A Comedic Icon Returns to Familiar Ground

At 98, Brooks shows no signs of slowing down. This sequel marks his first on-screen appearance in years, and for fans of Spaceballs, it’s more than just nostalgia—it’s a long-overdue revival of one of sci-fi’s most irreverent parodies.

Set against a backdrop of modern-day franchise fatigue, the new Spaceballs film is positioning itself as a sharp and timely satire. With Josh Gad spearheading the project—both on-screen and off—the movie will blend old-school Brooks humor with a fresh generational lens.

Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman Join the Party

In a casting move that has delighted fans, Rick Moranis is confirmed to reprise his role as the bumbling yet oddly menacing Dark Helmet. It marks a rare return to the screen for Moranis, who famously stepped back from Hollywood in the late ’90s.

Bill Pullman is also on board, once again suiting up as the roguish Lone Starr, a role that helped cement his early career. Alongside the returning legends, Keke Palmer has been added to the cast, bringing fresh energy and a new dynamic to the ensemble.

A Sequel, Not a Reboot—and That’s the Point

As per Amazon MGM’s press notes, the film has been labeled—with Brooks’ trademark cheek—as “a Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film.” It’s a mouthful, yes, but also a wink to the overlong titles and bloated universes dominating screens today.

Behind the camera is Josh Greenbaum, whose previous work includes Strays and Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. The screenplay is a collaborative effort between Gad, Benji Samit, and Dan Hernandez—writers known for striking the balance between character comedy and genre satire in projects like Pokémon Detective Pikachu and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.

Josh Gad’s Pitch That Changed Everything

This isn’t a quick studio cash grab. If anything, it’s a passion project years in the making. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gad recalled pitching the sequel idea directly to Brooks. But there was one hurdle: Brooks hadn’t kept up with the modern Star Wars universe.

To bridge the gap, Gad gave a 40-minute crash course, walking the comedy veteran through everything from Rey’s arc to Kylo Ren’s meltdown. “It felt like I was explaining religion to a philosopher,” Gad quipped. His efforts paid off. Brooks reportedly smiled, nodded, and gave his blessing. “Let’s do it,” he said.

Tapping Into the Original’s Legacy

The original Spaceballs, released in 1987, carved a unique place in pop culture. At a time when sci-fi was often taken too seriously, Brooks delivered a film that laughed in the face of lightsabers and death stars. With outrageous characters, absurd visuals, and one-liners that still echo in meme culture today, the film’s cult status has only grown over time.

What makes this sequel significant isn’t just who’s coming back—it’s the way the film aims to honour its roots without being weighed down by them. Brooks, despite his age, has been actively involved, ensuring the tone stays true to what made Spaceballs work in the first place.

Honouring the Absent Cast Members

While several original cast members are returning, the absence of John Candy (Barf) and Joan Rivers (Dot Matrix) casts a shadow of bittersweet nostalgia. Producers have not revealed how their characters will be addressed, but both Brooks and Gad have expressed, in various interviews, their intent to pay tribute rather than attempt replacements.

Fans may notice subtle homages or clever nods embedded within the script, but as of now, those creative decisions remain tightly guarded.

Looking Ahead: What We Know

• Production is expected to begin in late 2025, according to Gad’s recent statement to People.
• The movie will be a theatrical release—not streaming-only—which itself feels like a throwback in today’s industry.
• There’s no official title yet, but knowing Brooks, expect something that breaks the fourth wall before the trailer even drops.

What is clear, though, is that this won’t be a sequel that plays it safe. From its self-aware tagline to its veteran-meets-newcomer casting, this next chapter in the Spaceballs saga is setting out to roast modern sci-fi just as thoroughly as the original did decades ago.

With Brooks, Gad, and Moranis at the helm, and Pullman back in the saddle, expectations are high—and for once, it feels like Hollywood might just deliver something worth the wait.

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