Rick Moranis, known for his iconic roles in "Spaceballs" and "Ghostbusters," joked that he had not retired but was "just negotiating" during a San Diego Comic-Con panel on Friday. The appearance marked a rare public outing for the actor as he discussed his involvement in "Spaceballs: The New One," slated for release in April 2027.
Moranis, 73, stated that the timing for the sequel felt right. He confirmed that Bill Pullman would return, alongside his son Lewis Pullman. Also reprising their roles are Mel Brooks, Daphne Zuniga, and George Wyner. Newcomers to the cast include Keke Palmer, Josh Gad, Anthony Carrigan, and Rowan Witt.
The actor received a standing ovation from fans at Comic-Con, with some audience members chanting his name. Social media reactions indicated excitement for his return to a role he previously embodied as Lord Dark Helmet.
Moranis' return to the public eye and a significant film project follows a nearly 30-year hiatus from Hollywood. He stepped away from his acting career in 1997 after the death of his wife, Ann Belsky, from breast cancer. He dedicated himself to raising their two children, Rachel and Mitchell. While he has done voice work for "Brother Bear" and "Brother Bear 2" in the mid-2000s, he largely remained out of the spotlight.
In a 2015 interview, Moranis described his break as extending longer than initially anticipated, but he expressed no regrets, stating his life remains "wonderful."