Rick Moranis is set to reprise his role as the villainous Dark Helmet in the upcoming sequel, "Spaceballs: The New One," which is slated for release next April. The actor appeared at San Diego Comic-Con's Hall H on Friday, marking a significant return to the franchise and eliciting a standing ovation from fans.
Moranis's entrance was a theatrical nod to his character, with the actor hiding in the audience beneath Dark Helmet's signature helmet as soldiers from the original film searched for him. During his appearance, Moranis described the sequel as a timely opportunity, stating, "This came along at the right time. It just felt like this is it. … It is the best decision I ever made. It’s like family to me."
He was joined on stage by original cast member Daphne Zuniga, director Josh Greenbaum, writer and actor Josh Gad, writers Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, and new cast members Keke Palmer and Lewis Pullman. The specific roles of Palmer and Pullman are currently undisclosed.
Palmer shared her enthusiasm for the script, recounting, "It was so funny that I kept being like, ‘Oh my God! Can you believe they said that?'" Pullman echoed this sentiment, noting, "I read it and I was like, ‘Damn it. This is so good. … This is one of the funniest scripts I’ve ever read.'"
While Mel Brooks and Bill Pullman were not present in person, they sent prerecorded video messages. Attendees were also shown behind-the-scenes footage of Brooks recording dialogue and an exclusive teaser trailer for the film. Gad confirmed his involvement, playing a character called a "mawg," but clarified that he is not taking over the role of Barf, previously played by the late John Candy. The sequel is expected to honor Candy and other original cast members who have passed away, including Joan Rivers, Dom DeLuise, and Dick Van Patten.
The panel concluded with a humorous parody of large cinematic universes, featuring a fake roadmap titled "The Almighty Schwartz Saga" that envisioned multiple phases of "Spaceballs" sequels, a clear send-up of Marvel's expansive franchise.