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Josh Gad is stepping into the wild world of space comedy. The actor will both star and co-write Spaceballs: The New One, the long-awaited sequel to Mel Brooks’ cult classic. The film arrives April 2027 after nearly 40 years of waiting.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Title Reveal: Announced at CinemaCon on April 16, 2026, officially titled Spaceballs: The New One
- Release Date: April 23, 2027 in theaters via Amazon MGM Studios
- Josh Gad Role: Co-writer and starring in a new character (identity being kept secret)
- Returning Cast: Rick Moranis, Mel Brooks, Bill Pullman, and Daphne Zuniga reprising original roles
Josh Gad Joins Comedy Legacy as Co-Writer and Star
Josh Gad brings impressive credentials to this sequel. The actor known for voicing Olaf in the Frozen franchise is stepping into a dual role as both performer and screenwriter. Gad co-wrote the script with Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, working from characters originally created by Brooks, Thomas Meehan, and Ronny Graham. This marks a significant creative collaboration on a major comedy project.
Director Josh Greenbaum, known for Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar and Will & Harper, will helm the production. The behind-the-scenes team is rounded out by Brian Grazer and Jeb Brody as producers, with Mel Brooks also producing.
Josh Gad stars in Spaceballs: The New One, co-writes Mel Brooks sequel
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An All-Star Cast Reunites After Four Decades
The original Spaceballs (1987) featured iconic comedy talent, and many are returning for this sequel. Rick Moranis will reprise his role as Lord Dark Helmet, marking his first onscreen film appearance since taking a hiatus in 1997. The announcement thrilled longtime fans who have missed the beloved Canadian actor.
Bill Pullman returns as Lone Starr, while Daphne Zuniga reprises her role as the now-elevated Queen Vespa. Mel Brooks himself returns as Yogurt. George Wyner, who played Colonel Sandurz, will also return to the galaxy far far away once more.
New Cast Members Bring Fresh Energy to the Universe
Alongside Josh Gad, several newcomers are joining the franchise. Keke Palmer, Lewis Pullman, and Anthony Carrigan have been cast in new characters whose identities remain secret. The trailer hinted at expanded comedy opportunities and modern sci-fi spoofs, with nods to Star Wars, Avatar, and Hollywood mergers.
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | April 23, 2027 |
| Platform | Theatrical (Amazon MGM Studios) |
| Cast Highlights | Josh Gad, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, Mel Brooks |
| Director | Josh Greenbaum |
“It’s just like the old one, but it’s newer.”
— Mel Brooks, Comedy Icon and Producer
What We Know About The Spoof Storyline and Trailer
The exact story details remain guarded, with Amazon MGM keeping plot points behind what they jokingly called an “industrial-strength Schwartz shield.” However, the CinemaCon trailer revealed plenty of satirical humor. The film pokes fun at Hollywood mergers, with a voiceover noting studios are merging willy-nilly before crediting the Amazon and MGM deal for making this sequel possible.
Dark Helmet’s mask has been updated to resemble Kylo Ren from the Star Wars sequel trilogy. The trailer featured lightsaber fights (called Schwartz ring fights) and a memorable moment where Dark Helmet encounters a Na’vi in a restroom, spoofing the Avatar franchise directly.
Why Is This Spaceballs Sequel Finally Happening After So Long?
Mel Brooks himself answered this in the title announcement. The iconic 99-year-old director joked that he finally found the money referenced in the long-rumored title “Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money.” He waved to a duffel bag overflowing with Spaceballs prop money, explaining that years of fan requests convinced him to make the new film. The partnership with Amazon MGM Studios made the ambitious comedic sequel financially possible at last.
Watch: Official Title Reveal Video
Sources
- Los Angeles Times – Complete cast, director information, and CinemaCon presentation details
- Variety – Trailer analysis, spoof content, and official title announcement coverage
- The Hollywood Reporter – Mel Brooks title reveal and production confirmation
