Production wrapped on Mel Brooks' much-anticipated sequel, bringing back original cast members and introducing new faces. The film, officially titled 'Spaceballs: The New One,' marks the return of Rick Moranis as Lord Dark Helmet, ending a significant acting hiatus. Bill Pullman is also reprising his role as Lone Starr, a reunion that has now extended to include his son, Lewis Pullman, in a new capacity. The project, which began production in September, aims to capture the spirit of the original while forging its own path.
"We’ve been wanting to do that forever and we never knew whether we could get the chance or not."
Lewis Pullman, who joins the franchise, described the experience as "a dream come true" and "surreal." He found the prospect of working with his father on this specific film particularly resonant, noting that the production felt like "a bizarre simulation" and "every day was such a trip." The casting of Lewis alongside his father represents a significant family affair, a development years in the making.
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The film's creative team includes co-writers Dan Hernandez, Josh Gad, and Benji Samit, with Josh Greenbaum directing. Gad's involvement extends beyond writing, positioning him as a key figure in the new installment.
Moranis's return to the character of Dark Helmet is a significant draw, as is the participation of Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa. The sequel is slated for a 2027 release, a timeline that suggests a deliberate pace in its development and production.
Lewis Pullman recounted a particularly "mind-boggling" moment, likely referring to hearing Moranis's iconic Dark Helmet voice again. He described the voice as residing "in my brain free of rent," indicating a deep, long-standing familiarity and appreciation for the original. His father, Bill Pullman, offered guidance through anecdotes from his own career, a method Lewis found supportive and natural, avoiding any perceived pressure to follow in his footsteps.
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"That voice lives in my brain free of rent."
The title itself, 'Spaceballs: The New One,' has been presented as a self-aware nod to its status as a continuation, emphasizing its freshness while acknowledging its roots. Brooks's announcement of the sequel was characteristic of his satirical style, using a spoof of a Star Wars opening crawl to comment on the prevalence of sequels in contemporary cinema.
Other newcomers to the cast include Keke Palmer and Anthony Carrigan, adding to the ensemble's dynamic. Lewis Pullman also has other upcoming projects, including the sci-fi rom-com Wishful Thinking and the sports drama Baton. The involvement of the original cast alongside new talent and the directorship of Greenbaum signals an intent to bridge the gap between the classic comedy and modern filmmaking.
The original Spaceballs, a parody of the science fiction genre, particularly Star Wars, debuted 38 years prior to this sequel. Its cult status has fueled anticipation for a follow-up, a sentiment that seems to have been reciprocated by the cast and crew throughout the production.
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