Spaceballs II: The Schwartz Awakens… Again (trailer)

At long last, after 38 years of rumours, jokes, aborted pitches, and merchandising that still didn’t make it to the shops, Mel Brooks’ legendary space spoof Spaceballs is finally getting a sequel. Yes, you read that correctly. Spaceballs II is actually happening—and no, it’s not called The Search for More Money (although let’s be honest, that title still slaps).

Amazon MGM Studios has officially greenlit the project, set for theatrical release in 2027, with Brooks himself returning as producer and co-writer, proving that not even age or common sense can stop the Schwartz. Directing duties go to Josh Greenbaum, while Josh Gad (because of course it’s Josh Gad) is co-writing and starring in an as-yet-mysterious role that’s almost certainly going to involve yelling, sweating, and some sort of latex prosthetic.

But let’s get to the really juicy bit. Rick Moranis is back. Yes, Dark Helmet himself, the whiny, rage-prone enforcer with a bucket on his head and the emotional maturity of a toddler denied biscuits, is returning after decades of cinematic retirement. And not to be outdone, Bill Pullman is also donning the leather boots and dubious Han Solo hair once again as Lone Starr, that roguish, Winnebago-driving prince of the stars. (And yes, the Eagle 5 is back, still looking like the offspring of a camper van and a rejected X-Wing.)

Also returning? Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa, still sassy, possibly still allergic to arranged marriages, and—if the rumours are true—now mum to Lewis Pullman’s character Starburst, the genetically confused offspring of a mercenary prince and a royal diva. Keke Palmer joins the fray as Destiny, a new heroine who, we can only assume, will punch evil in the face while simultaneously making Millennials feel old and Gen Zs feel seen.

The plot, such as we understand it through the clouds of parody and merchandising jokes, picks up with Dark Helmet once again menacing the galaxy. Except now, his iconic helmet is cracked and bandaged, which is either a metaphor for his fractured ego or a physical result of headbutting too many airlocks. Brooks teased the story with a typical wink, noting, “After 40 years we asked, what do the fans want? But instead, we’re making this movie.” The man hasn’t lost his edge. Or his ability to ignore market research.

And speaking of merchandising—will this be the sequel where we finally get actual Spaceballs merchandise? Maybe even a Schwartz-ringed fidget spinner? A Dark Helmet Funko Pop that’s 90% helmet? A Yogurt-brand probiotic that may or may not grant you metaphysical powers? The possibilities are limitless, and hopefully not held up by another George Lucas clause from 1987.

Here at SFcrowsnest magazine, we love this kind of self-aware, irreverent nonsense. Spaceballs may have been a mixed bag on first release (as the 52% Rotten Tomatoes score grimly reminds us), but it’s since become a cult classic so powerful that even Elon Musk named his car speeds after it. And now, the saga continues—older, weirder, and hopefully just as gloriously daft.

So strap in, fire up your ludicrous speed engines, and prepare to go plaid. The Schwartz is back, baby—and he brought a sequel.