May the Schwartz be with us all as we return to a galaxy far, far away (no, not that one, but close) in the near future (2027, to be exact).
“I told you we’d be back,” said legendary director Mel Brooks in a Thursday X post. Back in 1987 his “Star Wars” parody “Spaceballs” was released and now a sequel is finally incoming.
A video included in Brooks’ post pointed out that the decades since the cult comedy was released have been filled with sequels. Those include a multitude from the “Star Wars” universe.
“After 40 years, we asked: ‘What do the fans want?’” said Brooks in the video “But instead, we’re making this movie.”
For those unfamiliar with the original film, it follows mercenary Lone Starr (played by Bill Pullman) and his sidekick Barf (played by the late John Candy) who rescue Princess Vespa (Played by Daphne Zuniga), battle Dark Helmet (played by Rick Moranis) and learn about “the Schwartz” – similar to “the Force” in “Star Wars”. Brooks is also in the film in multiple roles, as well as Dom DeLuise.
While “Spaceballs” takes inspiration from “Star Wars”, “2001: A Space Odyssey” and other science fiction, LitHub also notes that Frank Capra’s 1934 classic “It Happened One Night” inspired the film.
According to Deadline, Pullman and Moranis are set to come aboard for the next “Spaceballs” adventure. Keke Palmer, who was recently in “One of Them Days” is also expected to star in the film from Amazon MGM Studios. That news about Moranis is “striking,” since he hasn’t been on screen much over the past few decades, Deadline said.
“Amazon declined to comment, and character details for Palmer are under wraps, as is the sequel’s plot,” said the outlet. However, it said that Brooks – who will be 101 years old in 2027 – is expected to reprise his roles as well.
As for the behind-the-camera talent, Deadline said Josh Greenbaum, director of “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar”, will direct from a script by Benji Samit, Dan Hernandez, and Josh Gad. It said Gad is expected to star in the film as well.
“I was that child who saw ‘Spaceballs’ before I ever saw ‘Star Wars’ and then wondered why anyone would do a dramatic remake of the Mel Brooks classic,” Gad said in a cheeky X post. “It is therefore the greatest gift of my life to now help take the reins and work alongside Mel and this incredible group to do a sequel to the movie that first inspired [Star Wars creator] George Lucas.”