Rick Moranis and Daphne Zuniga reveal their Spaceballs return

Thirty-nine years after launching into the galaxy far, far away, the beloved duo Rick Moranis and Daphne Zuniga are back on the silver screen, stepping into their iconic roles as Dark Helmet and Princess Vespa for the highly anticipated sequel, Spaceballs: The New One. This long-awaited continuation of Mel Brooks’ 1987 parody film promises to bring some cosmic comedy back to the forefront.

The excitement surrounding the return reached a fever pitch recently at Comic-Con. Rick Moranis surprised the Hall H crowd by joining his fellow filmmakers and cast members, appearing on set disguised as the titular Dark Helmet. The audience was electric, realizing they were watching a true legend step back into their favorite cinematic universe.

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Moranis shared a heartfelt moment, acknowledging the support he felt. He described the experience as living in a time warp while surrounded by the magic of the set. His enthusiasm for the return stemmed from years of negotiation; he explained that agreeing to star was simply the path to finally bring his vision to life.

Moranis reflected on the journey, noting that his involvement was part of a long-standing conversation with Mel Brooks about a sequel that began back in 1989. “I wasn’t retired, I was just negotiating,” Moranis quipped, capturing the playful spirit of the franchise while emphasizing how perfect the timing felt for the project.

Daphne Zuniga added her perspective on the extended casting process. She recounted the confusion surrounding her role in the original film, detailing how it took over a month to secure the part for Princess Vespa. Despite the wait, she expressed immense happiness about being involved now: “It took them over a month to give me the freaking part for Princess Vespa! So, I’m not surprised it’s taken 39 years, and I’m very happy to be here,” Zuniga remarked excitedly.

The depth of their commitment is reflected in the expanded cast of Spaceballs: The New One. Alongside Moranis and Zuniga, the film features a stellar ensemble, including Bill Pullman as Lone Starr, Keke Palmer as Destiny, Lewis Pullman as Starburst, and a host of beloved comedic actors such as Mel Brooks, Anthony Carrigan, Josh Gad, George Wyner, Michael Winslow, and Liz Kingsman.

Spaceballs: The New One is slated to hit theaters on April 23, 2027, leaving audiences with even greater curiosity about how this legendary sequel will finally unfold.