Amazon MGM Studios jumped to plaid speed in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con on Friday, July 24, bringing fans their first unforgettable look at Spaceballs: The New One. The star-studded panel kicked off with a heartfelt (and appropriately hilarious) video message from comedy legend Mel Brooks before moderator Kevin Smith welcomed Daphne Zuniga, Keke Palmer, Lewis Pullman, Josh Gad, director Josh Greenbaum, and screenwriters Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit to the stage.
But the biggest surprise of the afternoon came before the conversation even got underway.
As Spaceballs Troopers roamed the Hall H audience searching for Dark Helmet cosplayers, they “discovered” none other than Rick Moranis himself sitting among the fans. The reveal sent the packed crowd into a frenzy, with thunderous applause and a standing ovation celebrating Moranis’ long-awaited return to the Spaceballs galaxy.
Throughout the panel, Josh Gad and Josh Greenbaum reflected on the surreal experience of pitching a sequel to Mel Brooks, while Daphne Zuniga and Rick Moranis shared what it was like slipping back into their beloved roles and reuniting with Brooks for the first time in decades. Keke Palmer spoke about joining one of comedy’s most iconic sci-fi franchises, while Lewis Pullman joked about following in the footsteps of his father, Bill Pullman, whose portrayal of Lone Starr became a fan favorite in the original film. Although Bill Pullman couldn’t attend Hall H, fans were treated to a special video message from Lone Starr himself.
Gad also took a heartfelt moment to honor the late John Candy, calling the beloved comedian the heart and soul of the original Spaceballs and reflecting on the lasting impact Candy continues to have on both the franchise and comedy as a whole.
If Mel Brooks has taught us anything, it’s that the Schwartz never truly disappears and judging by Hall H’s roaring reception, it’s stronger than ever. Spaceballs: The New One proved that fans are more than ready to blast back into ludicrous speed for another adventure.
