Tag: rick moranis

  • CinemaCon 2026: Amazon MGM Studios Presentation

    The cast of 'Spaceballs: The New One' at CinemaCon 2026. Photo Credit: Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios.
    The cast of ‘Spaceballs: The New One’ at CinemaCon 2026. Photo Credit: Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios.

    Preview:

    • Amazon MGM Studios made its presentation to the 2026 CinemaCon crowd.
    • Among the movies promoted were ‘The Sheep Detectives’ and ‘Spaceballs: The New One’.
    • There was also a look at Michael B. Jordan’s ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’.

    After making its first trip to CinemaCon last year, Amazon MGM Studios has certainly been enjoying a good year at the box office so far, largely thanks to the huge success of ‘Project Hail Mary’ (which, as announced at the panel, just crossed $525 million at the global box office, cementing it as the company’s biggest movie to date, and will see its theatrical window extended, Amaze! Amaze! Amaze!).

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    Hoping to keep the momentum rolling, the studio unveiled new looks at this year’s crop of movies and beyond including ‘The Sheep Detectives’ and ‘Masters of the Universe’. But if you were expecting a surprise announcement about casting for the new James Bond movie, there was none –– but VP of Film Courtenay Valenti did promise it’ll be worthy of the venerable franchise’s legacy.

    Related Article: ‘Masters of the Universe’: Nicholas Galitzine Offers New Costume Look

    Here’s what was revealed…

    ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’

    Michael B. Jordan poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor in a Leading Role during the 98th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Credit/Provider: Etienne Laurent / The Academy
    Michael B. Jordan poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actor in a Leading Role during the 98th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Credit/Provider: Etienne Laurent / The Academy
    Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    First out of the gate (even though it isn’t out until next March) was newly minted Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan‘s remake of the 1968 caper movie –– previously re-imagined in 1999, which the actor is directing and starring in.

    After a look at some fun footage, Jordan himself took the stage to talk up the fact that Jon Batiste is crafting the music for the movie. He also brought out co-star Adria Arjona, complimenting her “intensity, wit, and fire” while calling her “an incredible scene partner.” Their cat-and-mouse relationship (as art thief and the insurance investigator tracking him down) is at the core of the movie.

    Kenneth Branagh, meanwhile, plays the antagonist, the person that Jordan’s Crown targets. Jordan says he made the movie for big screens.

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    ‘Masters of the Universe’

    Nicholas Galitzine stars in 'Masters of the Universe'. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    Nicholas Galitzine stars in ‘Masters of the Universe’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

    Hoping for another big hit, Amazon MGM is putting a lot of weight behind ‘Masters of the Universe’, which adapts the 1980s toy line and cartoon series (and was already focus of a notoriously unsuccessful 1987 movie).

    Stars Nicholas GalitzineCamila Mendes and director Travis Knight took the stage to introduce a new look at the film. Galitzine, of course, was hefting He-Man’s classic power sword, which is surely some sort of safety violation.

    Jared Leto stars in 'Masters of the Universe'. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    Jared Leto stars in ‘Masters of the Universe’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

    Some fresh footage from the movie –– which Knight and co. described as tackling how someone is challenged to step up beyond what they think they can do –– was screened after Galitzine had the audience lift the fake swords they received as he recited He-Man’s classic transformation line

    The new scene shows Galitzine’s Prince Adam and Mendes’ Teena reuniting on Earth before they travel to Eternia to battle the evil Skeletor (Jared Leto), which in turn leads into the new trailer.

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    ‘The Beekeeper 2’

    Jason Statham stars as Clay in director David Ayer's 'The Beekeeper.' An Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Jason Statham stars as Clay in director David Ayer’s ‘The Beekeeper.’ An Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios. © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Another jump ahead in time for a quick look at footage from Jason Statham action sequel ‘The Beekeeper 2’. It’s pretty much exactly what you’d expect from The Stath, and should keep fans happy. Statham himself appeared via video to exclaim, “some people say less is more. I say more is more.”

    The new movie will see the Beekeeper society looking to overthrow the US government. At this point in time, the jokes write themselves…

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    ‘The Sheep Detectives’

    Hugh Jackman in 'The Sheep Detectives'. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    Hugh Jackman in ‘The Sheep Detectives’. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
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    Back to 2026’s schedule, and the quirky mystery drama about a herd of sheep who must solve the murder of their beloved shepherd (Hugh Jackman).

    Jackman himself arrived on stage (along with co-stars Nicholas Braun, and a returning Galitzine) to tout the film, which also boasts a considerable cast in both live-action (Emma Thompson) and voice (too many to list) form. It’s described as “a warm deeply human story about finding your place in the world.” And we got an extended look at the movie.

    ‘A Colt is My Passport’

    Gareth Evans (‘The Raid’) returns with a new action movie, this one starring
    Sope Dirisu in the story of Colt, a Vietnam veteran turned contract killer, goes on the run after assassinating a gangland boss.

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    ‘How to Rob a Bank’

    David Leitch in Paris for 'Bullet Train.' Credit: Oliver Vigerie/Sony Pictures.
    David Leitch in Paris for ‘Bullet Train.’ Credit: Oliver Vigerie/Sony Pictures.

    With confetti and chaos, the new movie from director David Leitch launched into a first look at a team of social media types who make videos about, well, how to rob banks.

    Leitch came on stage with Pete Davidson, and Davidson revealed that this group of robbers livestreams their crimes and robberies. “They’re putting an end to greed and corruption one heist, and one video, at a time,” he said, before Rhenzy Feliz and Anna Sawai were confirmed to be the other two robbers. Leitch wanted to capture the energy of a manic YouTube video, before a video message from the rest of the cast played.

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    Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother

    Mahershala Ali attends the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
    Mahershala Ali attends the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.

    More action, this time a visceral thriller starring Mahershala Ali and following a hitman struggling to balance his job with his faith & fatherhood. Bassam Tariq directs.

    Ali took the stage to enthuse about how the movie checked every box for him, and he introduced some intense footage.

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    After a quick look at ‘Verity’ (which we’re surprised wasn’t spotlighted more given its Colleen Hoover origins) it was time for…

    ‘Spaceballs: The New One’

    'Spaceballs: The New One' logo. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.
    ‘Spaceballs: The New One’ logo. Photo: Amazon MGM Studios.

    The much-anticipated ‘Spaceballs’ sequel was introduced by originator Mel Brooks (via video), with cast members Bill PullmanJosh Gad, Lewis PullmanDaphne Zuniga and to great response, Rick Moranis actually present to introduce a first look at the movie, which is as funny as you might hope for. Let’s just say the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy is heavily targeted for spoofing.

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    ‘Highlander’

    Henry Cavill in 'Highlander'. Photo: Henry Cavill's Instagram Account.
    Henry Cavill in ‘Highlander’. Photo: Henry Cavill’s Instagram Account.

    It might still be busy shooting, but the re-imagining of the 1980s action movie is one of the bigger titles on the horizon for the studio.

    With Henry Cavill starring as the immortal warrior who must battle others of his kind, it promises plenty of set pieces.

    Cavill and director Chad Stahelski (‘John Wick’) are halfway through filming, but the former took time out to appear via video and offer some early footage.

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    ‘I Play Rocky’

    Peter Farrelly accepts the Oscar® for original screenplay during the live ABC Telecast of The 91st Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Credit/Provider: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Peter Farrelly accepts the Oscar® for original screenplay during the live ABC Telecast of The 91st Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Credit/Provider: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    The chaotic making of the 1976 Sylvester Stallone classic is the subject of this based-on-truth film from director Peter Farrelly.

    He strode on stage with some of his cast to talk about the movie, one he described as “for dreamers” before cueing up a first look.

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    And with a sizzle reel for other projects on the way, the curtain fell on the Amazon MGM presentation!

    'Masters of the Universe' opens in theaters on June 5th.
    ‘Masters of the Universe’ opens in theaters on June 5th.
  • Anthony Carrigan Joins the Cast as ‘Spaceballs 2’ Starts Shooting

    Anthony Carrigan on HBO's 'Barry.' Photograph by Courtesy of HBO.
    Anthony Carrigan on HBO’s ‘Barry.’ Photograph by Courtesy of HBO.

    Preview:

    • Anthony Carrigan is the latest recruit for the ‘Spaceballs’ sequel.
    • Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman and Daphne Zuniga are aboard to reprise their roles.
    • Josh Greenbaum is directing for Amazon/MGM.

    After years as a rumor and in development, the ‘Spaceballs’ sequel just hit Ridiculous Speed. Or at least, production speed, as shooting is now kicking off on the continuation of the space satire/farce co-created by Mel Brooks in 1987.

    Brooks is back in the dual role of the nefarious President Skroob and wise sage Yogurt, while the likes of Bill Pullman and Daphne Zuniga are returning to their parts. Most surprisingly Rick Moranis –– who has been retired from on-screen work for years –– has been tempted back to play Vader-spoofing villain Dark Helmet.

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    And via an announcement from Amazon MGM Studios, which is backing the new movie, we know that Anthony Carrigan (‘Barry’) is among the newer faces joining for this go-around (more on the others below).

    Related Article: Mel Brooks, Bill Pullman & Daphne Zuniga Back for ‘Spaceballs’ Sequel

    What was the story of ‘Spaceballs’?

    (L to R) Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet and George Wyner as Colonel Sandurz in 'Spaceballs'. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
    (L to R) Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet and George Wyner as Colonel Sandurz in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

    The original ‘Spaceballs’, directed by Brooks from a script he wrote with Thomas Meehan and Ronny Graham, starred Pullman as Lone Starr, a scruffy hero in the Han Solo mold who has to stop the nefarious President Skroob from stealing the atmosphere of the peaceful planet Druidia.

    Along the way, he comes to the aid of Vespa (Zuniga) and her sarcastic robot maid Dot Matrix (voiced by Joan Rivers). John Candy played Starr’s faithful half-man/half-dog sidekick Barf.

    As for the new movie, it’s predictably wrapped in mystery, with the official logline going for a joke: “the title is rumored to be the name of the movie, and plot details are being described as information about what happens in the story.”

    And Brooks has previously described it thusly:

    “A Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film.”

    Alongside the veteran cast (and now Carrigan), we can also expect to see Josh Gad, Keke Palmer and, keeping it in the family, ‘Thunderbolts*’ Lewis Pullman, son of Bill, playing Starburst, his on-screen spawn.

    Who is making the new ‘Spaceballs’?

    (L to R) Joan Rivers as the voice of Dot Matrix and Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa in 'Spaceballs'. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
    (L to R) Joan Rivers as the voice of Dot Matrix and Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

    With Gad on board to star and produce, he’s also co-written the script with Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez, who worked on ‘Pokémon: Detective Pikachu’.

    Josh Greenbaum, who made ‘Strays’ (for which Gad provided a voice) and ‘Barb and Star go to Vista Del Mar’, is in the director’s chair. He feels like a good fit for a new ‘Spaceballs’, since he’s proved he can handle wacky comedy with some emotional undertones.

    When will the ‘Spaceballs’ sequel be on screens?

    While Amazon MGM Studios has yet to confirm an exact date, but it is aiming for a 2027 theatrical launch.

    Image from the 'Spaceballs 2' table read. Photo: Brook Rushton/Amazon MGM.
    Image from the ‘Spaceballs 2’ table read. Photo: Brook Rushton/Amazon MGM.

    List of Mel Brooks Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Mel Brooks Movies on Amazon

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  • ‘Spaceballs 2’ Cast Reprising Their Roles Is The Right Choice

    Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet in 'Spaceballs'. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
    Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

    Preview:

    • A ‘Spaceballs’ sequel is in the works with much of the original cast returning.
    • Without the original actors reprising these roles, ‘Spaceballs 2’ would likely lack what is needed for it to succeed. 
    • The addition of Lewis Pullman, Josh Gad, & Keke Palmer is also a brilliant move.

    A ‘Spaceballs‘ sequel is in the works after nearly forty years and while that is exciting enough information on its own, the fact that much of the cast is returning is the icing on the cake.

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    Unless ‘Spaceballs 2‘ were to follow a group of completely new characters (think ‘Star Wars‘ prequels or sequels), there is no way getting around replacing these actors. The film is so iconic that simply recasting would not only be a kick in the teeth to the actors (and the fans) but it would likely never capture the same satirical vibe that it needs to on order to be a success.

    ‘Spaceballs’ is a beloved film, a cult classic if you will, and needs to be treated as such. To bring in all new people, without any true ties to the original, would be a disgrace. The original cast members are not just perfect choices to play these characters, but the right choices to play them, as well.

    Related Article: Mel Brooks, Bill Pullman & Daphne Zuniga Back for ‘Spaceballs’ Sequel

    No One Could Replace Rick Moranis As Dark Helmet

    (L to R) Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet and George Wyner as Colonel Sandurz in 'Spaceballs'. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
    (L to R) Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet and George Wyner as Colonel Sandurz in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

    Rick Moranis is that actor who would be the hardest to replace and keep fans feeling as if Dark Helmet is the same character. It would be just like ‘Star Wars’ putting out a movie featuring Darth Vader and not using James Earl Jones‘ iconic voice. It would immediately feel like an impression, an imitation, and not the same thing.

    This is the most surprising return for most, considering that he hasn’t acted in quite sometime. His last live-action role was ‘Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves‘, which release in 1997. After that he did lend his voice to several animated projects, but ultimately gave up acting more or less in 2008. It is a treat to have him return and quite honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

    The main cast are such iconic characters that it simply makes sense to have the actors who know them inside and out come back and reprise their roles. As long as they are willing and able, there truly is no reason to recast.

    Mel Brooks and Daphne Zuniga Are Also, Thankfully, Returning

    (L to R) Joan Rivers as the voice of Dot Matrix and Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa in 'Spaceballs'. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
    (L to R) Joan Rivers as the voice of Dot Matrix and Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

    Mel Brooks directed and starred in the original 1987 film. He is currently 98 years old, so his return for ‘Spaceballs 2’ as Yogurt is a bit shocking. That said, he can simply provide the voice via a recording booth if necessary, and have a stand-in actor if need be, due to the nature of the character. While fans would love to see him don the iconic gold makeup, that is simply not necessary with today’s technology. Of course, that would be ideal, but there are work arounds if they are needed.

    Daphne Zuniga returning as Princess Vespa is no surprise to many as she has continued to act since ‘Spaceballs’. Knowing that Princess Vespa and Lone Starr marry at the end of the first film is the perfect lead-in to introducing their child, who will likely be the main focus of ‘Spaceballs 2’.

    Sadly one of the most memorable characters, Barf, cannot be portrayed by the original actor, John Candy, as he has passed away. It is hard for fans of ‘Spaceballs’ to imagine a sequel without this particular character, so odds are Barf will either be recast, or one of his offsprings will join in the adventure. This is likely where Josh Gad steps in, because has the comedic chops to pull it off, although we do not yet know for sure.

    Lewis Pullman Joining His Father, Bill Pullman, As His Son Is A Brilliant Casting Choice

    Bob (Lewis Pullman) in Marvel Studios' 'Thunderbolts*'. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. © 2025 Marvel.
    Bob (Lewis Pullman) in Marvel Studios’ ‘Thunderbolts*’. Photo by Chuck Zlotnick. © 2025 Marvel.

    Lewis Pullman coming in as Lone Starr’s son, which is fitting becauae his father, Bill Pullman, is reprising that role as well for ‘Spaceballs 2′. Having both Pullmans on screen is sure to be a joyful fans, but it will also make their moments together believable. As with Rick Moranis’ return as Dark Helmet, finding a replacement actor for Bill Pullman’s Lone Starr would prove to be incredibly difficult.

    Bringing in Lewis Pullman is a brilliant move because not only is he the perfect person to carry on the Lone Starr legacy because of his father, he is also a great actor, which he has proven time and time again, most recently in ‘Thunderbolts*‘.

    Keke Palmer also joins the ‘Spaceballs 2’ cast in an undisclosed role. Another comedic genuis who is sure to fit into this crazy Sci-Fi world perfectly.

    Josh Gads Love For The Original ‘Spaceballs’ Is Reassuring

    (Left) Mel Brooks in 'Spaceballs'. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. (Right) Josh Gad in 'The Wedding Ringer'. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
    (Left) Mel Brooks in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. (Right) Josh Gad in ‘The Wedding Ringer’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

    Josh Gad is leading the charge on ‘Spaceballs 2’, reportedly starring and producing. He also apparently wrote the sequel. Not only does he know his way around comedy, he is also a big fan of the original film. He has admitted to seeing ‘Spaceballs’ before even seeing ‘Star Wars’. Knowing that he is such a big fan himself should put minds at ease. Surely he would not agree to star in something that doss have the same vibe and feeling of the original, which he loves so much.

    While not much is known about the story yet, ‘Spaceballs 2’ will clearly be set a long time after the events of ‘Spaceballs’. The actors have aged forty years, which is something you simply cannot avoid. Plus, with Lewis Pullman playing the adult son of Lone Starr, we know time must have passed. There are so many routes they can go, but with the original cast on board, fans will have high hopes that they can recreate magic.

    Amazon MGM’s ‘Spaceballs 2’ is set to release in 2027. There is no confirmation yet as to if it will head to theaters yet, or release exclusively on Prime Video.

    John Candy, Joan Rivers, Daphne Zuniga and Bill Pullman in 'Spaceballs'.
    (L to R) John Candy, Joan Rivers, Daphne Zuniga and Bill Pullman in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

    Other Mel Brooks Movies:

    Buy Mel Brooks Movies on Amazon

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  • Mel Brooks, Bill Pullman & More Back for ‘Spaceballs’ Sequel

    John Candy, Joan Rivers, Daphne Zuniga and Bill Pullman in 'Spaceballs'.
    (L to R) John Candy, Joan Rivers, Daphne Zuniga and Bill Pullman in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

    Preview

    • Mel Brooks is set to return as Yogurt for the ‘Spaceballs’ sequel movie.
    • Bill Pullman and Daphne Zuniga are aboard to reprise their roles.
    • Josh Greenbaum is directing for Amazon/MGM.

    The Schwarz is still strong with Mel Brooks and his ‘Spaceballs’ cast.

    Following on from the news a year ago that Brooks and Josh Gad were leading the development of a sequel to Brooks’ 1987 ‘Star Wars’ (and other sci-fi movies) comedy riff.

    Amazon MGM Studios has announced that, as we perhaps might have predicted, Brooks will be back in front of the camera as well as behind it, playing the mystical, Yoda-spoofing Yogurt.

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    Gad is on board to co-write and produce, and will likely be showing up on screen in some capacity.

    And that’s not all: there has been a flurry of other casting stories, with Deadline bringing word that Bill Pullman is returning to play Lone Starr, while in even more surprising news, Rick Moranis will be back as the villainous Dark Helmet.

    The Wrap, meanwhile, has a report that Daphne Zuniga plans to join her old ‘Spaceballs’ colleagues, playing Princess Vespa.

    It’s not just veterans, either: Deadline’s report mentions that ‘One of Them Days’ star Keke Palmer is also aboard the movie, playing an unknown new role called Destiny.

    Keeping it in the family, meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter has the story that Bill’s son Lewis Pullman, recently seen in ‘Thunderbolts,’ will join the cast to play a character named Starburst, the son of Lone Star and Vespa.

    Related Article: Mel Brooks and Josh Gad are Planning a Sequel to ‘Spaceballs’

    What was the story of ‘Spaceballs’?

    Bill Pullman and Mel Brooks in 'Spaceballs'.
    (L to R) Bill Pullman and Mel Brooks in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

    The original ‘Spaceballs’, directed by Brooks from a script he wrote with Thomas Meehan and Ronny Graham, starred Bill Pullman as the aforementioned Lone Starr, a scruffy hero in the Han Solo mold who has to stop the nefarious President Skroob (Brooks) from stealing the atmosphere of the peaceful planet Druidia.

    Along the way, he comes to the aid of Vespa (Zuniga) and her sarcastic robot maid Dot Matrix (voiced by Joan Rivers). John Candy plays Starr’s faithful half-man/half-dog sidekick Barf and Moranis is superb Vader spoof Dark Helmet.

    Spaceballs’ doesn’t just target George Lucas’ work, however: there are also riffs on the likes of ‘Planet of the Apes’, ‘Star Trek’ and in one particularly memorable moment, ‘Alien’.

    Though the movie didn’t exactly triumph at the box office (it ended up with $38.1 million worldwide) but has long since been considered a cult classic.

    Plot details for the new film have yet to be revealed, but Deadline mentions that people who have not yet read the script describe it as “A Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film.” Which if you ask us, sounds like the sort of line Mel Brooks would spin about the movie in order to get a laugh.

    Who is making the new ‘Spaceballs’?

    Director Josh Greenbaum with Reggie on the set of 'Strays.'
    Director Josh Greenbaum with Reggie on the set of ‘Strays.’

    With Gad on board to star and produce, he’s also co-written the script with Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez, who worked on ‘Pokémon: Detective Pikachu’.

    Josh Greenbaum, who made ‘Strays’ (for which Gad provided a voice) and ‘Barb and Star go to Vista Del Mar’, is in the director’s chair. He feels like a good fit for a new ‘Spaceballs’, since he’s proved he can handle wacky comedy with some emotional undertones.

    Brian Grazer’s Imagine Entertainment is also aboard, and he’ll producing alongside Brooks, Gad, Jeb Brody and Greenbaum, with Kevin Salter, Adam Merims, Samit, and Hernandez as executive producers.

    Rick Moranis and George Wyner in 'Spaceballs'.
    (L to R) Rick Moranis and George Wyner in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

    Moranis is perhaps the most shocking of the new announcements, since he’s barely been seen on screens for more than a decade and hasn’t come back for extensions of other franchises such as ‘Ghostbusters’.

    Here’s what he told Heeb magazine back in 2013 about the stalled original plan for a ‘Spaceballs’ sequel:

    “I wasn’t privy to what the budget was or anything, but the deal [Brooks] presented me, what he wanted me to do, was not workable. It was two or three years later. He wanted me to… it’s better if I don’t get into the particulars of it. Because it is so specific, it’s counterproductive to talk about it. But I was unable to make a deal, and it would have been something I would have wanted to do. But that ship has sailed.”

    Looks like the ship has come back into the harbor!

    When will the ‘Spaceballs’ sequel be on screens?

    While Amazon MGM Studios has yet to confirm an exact date, Deadline mentions a planned 2027 theatrical launch.

    Mel Brooks in 'Spaceballs'.
    Mel Brooks in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

    List of Mel Brooks Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Mel Brooks Movies on Amazon

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  • Mel Brooks and Josh Gad Developing ‘Spaceballs’ Sequel

    (Left) Mel Brooks in 'Spaceballs'. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. (Right) Josh Gad in 'The Wedding Ringer'. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
    (Left) Mel Brooks in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. (Right) Josh Gad in ‘The Wedding Ringer’. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.

    Preview:

    • Josh Gad is aboard to star in, produce and co-write a ‘Spaceballs’ sequel.
    • Mel Brooks, creator and star of the original, is aboard to produce.
    • Josh Greenbaum is directing for Amazon/MGM.

    Follow-ups to Mel Brooks movies have apparently become a thing. We’ve already seen 1981’s ‘History of the World: Part I’ spawn Hulu limited series ‘History of the World: Part II’ last year (which was driven by Nick Kroll and David Stassen, but with Brooks as producer and occasionally on screen).

    While Brooks would probably crack that it’s all happening now before it’s too late, another of his comedies is seeing a return –– this time, a sequel to 1987 ‘Star Wars’ spoof ‘Spaceballs’.

    Josh Gad is now developing the new movie for Amazon/MGM (since MGM released the original and Amazon has been looking for ways to use the IP it inherited since buying the company), with Brooks involved as a producer and –– assuming he wants to –– once again stepping before cameras.

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    What was the story of ‘Spaceballs’?

    John Candy, Joan Rivers, Daphne Zuniga and Bill Pullman in 'Spaceballs'.
    (L to R) John Candy, Joan Rivers, Daphne Zuniga and Bill Pullman in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

    The original ‘Spaceballs’, directed by Brooks from a script he wrote with Thomas Meehan and Ronny Graham, starred Bill Pullman as Lone Starr, a scruffy hero in the Han Solo mold who has to stop the nefarious President Skroob (Brooks) from stealing the atmosphere of the peaceful planet Druidia.

    Along the way, he comes to the aid of Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) and her sarcastic robot maid Dot Matrix (voiced by Joan Rivers). John Candy plays Starr’s faithful half-man/half-dog sidekick Barf and Rick Moranis is superb Vader spoof Dark Helmet. Oh, and Brooks also plays diminutive Yoda-alike wisdom-spewer Yogurt, who also has a nice line in merchandising.

    Spaceballs’ doesn’t just target George Lucas’ work, however: there are also riffs on the likes of ‘Planet of the Apes’, ‘Star Trek’ and in one particularly memorable moment, ‘Alien’.

    Though the movie didn’t exactly triumph at the box office (it ended up with $38.1 million worldwide) but has long since been considered a cult classic.

    Plot details for the new film have yet to be revealed.

    Related Article: Director Josh Greenbaum Talks ‘Strays’ Starring Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx

    Who is making the new ‘Spaceballs’?

    Director Josh Greenbaum with Reggie on the set of 'Strays.'
    Director Josh Greenbaum with Reggie on the set of ‘Strays.’

    With Gad on board to star and produce, he’s also co-written the script with Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez, who worked on ‘Pokémon: Detective Pikachu’.

    Josh Greenbaum, who made ‘Strays’ (for which Gad provided a voice) and ‘Barb and Star go to Vista Del Mar’, is in the director’s chair. He feels like a good fit for a new ‘Spaceballs’, since he’s proved he can handle wacky comedy with some emotional undertones.

    The news was originally broken by Jeff Sneider, with Gad confirming via an enthusiastic Instagram post:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C8YF7rKyTYL/

    When will the ‘Spaceballs’ sequel be on screens?

    With development at an early stage, Amazon/MGM has yet to announce any sort of release date for the movie. We’ll have to wait see –– casting and actually shooting the movie must come first.

    Rick Moranis and George Wyner in 'Spaceballs'.
    (L to R) Rick Moranis and George Wyner in ‘Spaceballs’. Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

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  • 11 Things You Never Knew About ‘Ghostbusters II’ on its 30th Anniversary

    11 Things You Never Knew About ‘Ghostbusters II’ on its 30th Anniversary

    Columbia Pictures

    It’s been 30 years since “Ghostbusters II” got the gang back together. It may not have entirely satisfied fans of the 1984 original, but bustin’ always makes us feel good. Celebrate this big movie milestone by learning more about the making of “Ghostbusters II.”

    1. Several changes were made to the sequel in order to reflect the popularity of the animated series “The Real Ghostbusters.” That included bringing back Slimer as comic relief, avoiding any scenes of the Ghostbusters smoking and changing Janine’s appearance to more closely resemble her animated counterpart.

    Sony Pictures Television

    2. Ben Stein has a small cameo in the film, but he almost had a much bigger role. Stein was considered as a possible replacement for Bill Murray after Murray showed a reluctance to participate in the sequel.

    3. The original screenplay contains several scenes not included in the actual film, including a sequence where Ray is possessed by Vigo while driving the Ecto-1 and attempts to kill the other Ghostbusters.

    Columbia Pictures

    4. The film also has a deleted subplot in which Rick Moranis‘ Louis lays various traps for Slimer, hoping to prove his mettle as a Ghostbuster.

    5. Vigo actor Wilhelm Von Homburg didn’t know his lines would be dubbed over by Max von Sydow, and he stormed out of the premiere after discovering the change.

    Columbia Pictures

    6. Vigo isn’t based on a specific historical figure, but his appearance and back-story were strongly influenced by Vlad Dracula and Grigori Rasputin.

    7. The twin babies cast as Oscar are the nephews of singer John Denver.

    Columbia Pictures

    8. “Ghostbusters II” set a new record for highest opening weekend box office gross when it hit theaters. Unfortunately, that record was broken again the following weekend by “Batman.”

    9. The movie was the source of a minor controversy thanks to a tie-in “Ghostblaster” toy released at Hardee’s fast food restaurants. 2 million units were recalled after the toy was deemed a choking hazard.

    Columbia Pictures

    10. Two of director Ivan Reitman‘s children have cameos in the film. Catherine Reitman plays the girl with the puppy in Egon’s lab, while Jason Reitman plays the child who exclaims, “Ghostbusters are full of crap!”

    11. Ironically, Jason Reitman has now been tapped to direct the long-awaited “Ghostbusters 3“, due for release in 2020.

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  • 7 Movies To Make You Wish Rick Moranis Was Still Acting

    7 Movies To Make You Wish Rick Moranis Was Still Acting