Rick Moranis gets standing ovation at Comic-Con, opens up about 'Spaceballs' sequel return
San Diego, July 26
Veteran actor Rick Moranis received a standing ovation during a rare appearance at San Diego Comic-Con as he promoted 'Spaceballs: The New One', marking his return to live-action films after nearly three decades, according to People.
Moranis, 73, took the stage at Hall H on Friday wearing the oversized black helmet of his iconic character Dark Helmet, joining co-stars Josh Gad, Keke Palmer, Lewis Pullman and Daphne Zuniga, along with director Josh Greenbaum and screenwriters Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez. The panel was moderated by filmmaker Kevin Smith.
The upcoming film marks Moranis' first live-action movie since 'Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves!' (1997). The actor stepped away from acting after the death of his wife, costume designer Ann Belsky, from breast cancer in 1991 to raise their two children. Over the years, he continued to lend his voice to several animated projects but largely stayed away from on-screen roles.
Speaking during the panel, Moranis joked about what convinced him to return.
"The truth is that I had to say yes to this thing. It was the only way I could get Josh Gad to stop texting me," he said, drawing laughter from the audience.
The actor then revealed that discussions about a sequel had been ongoing for decades.
"Actually, I started talking to Mel about the sequel in 1989. We kept talking about it. I really wasn't retired; I was just negotiating," Moranis quipped, according to People.
Explaining why he ultimately agreed to return, he added, "But no, this came along right at the right time, and I started talking to these folks and hearing who was going to be in it. I spoke to Josh Greenbaum and I heard that Bill Pullman was coming back and that Lewis was going to be in it too, and it just felt like this is it. It's time and, yes. I said yes, and it is the best decision I've ever made."
Josh Gad also revealed that the sequel had its origins in conversations with Moranis about reviving the *Honey, I Shrunk the Kids* franchise before the idea evolved into a new 'Spaceballs' film.
Amazon MGM Studios announced in 2025 that Moranis would reprise his role as the Darth Vader-inspired Dark Helmet in the sequel to Mel Brooks' 1987 sci-fi parody 'Spaceballs'. Bill Pullman will also return as Lone Starr, alongside his son Lewis Pullman, according to People.
'Spaceballs: The New One' is scheduled to release in theatres on April 23, 2027.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Wow, a standing ovation at Comic-Con—absolutely deserved! Moranis stepping away to raise his kids after his wife's death shows incredible character. But honestly, I hope the sequel doesn't rely too much on nostalgia. The original was pure genius; let's hope they match its irreverent spirit.
Main kya bolun, yaar? 😂 Moranis's line about Josh Gad texting him is classic! It's great to see him back, but I wish Hollywood wouldn't wait decades for sequels. Still, 'Spaceballs' was a cult classic in India too—we all loved the Star Wars spoof. Fingers crossed for 2027!
I respect Moranis for prioritizing his family over fame—that's rare in Hollywood. But I'm a bit skeptical. Comedy sequels often fall flat (remember 'Zoolander 2'?). At least Josh Gad and Kevin Smith are involved, so there's hope. Also, Bill Pullman returning is a huge plus! 🚀
This is wholesome and hilarious at the same time. Moranis's sabbatical was for a noble cause, and his return is a gift to fans. But I'm a bit worried about the 2027 release—that's far away! Hope they don't overhype it. Still, Dark Helmet with a modern twist could be fire. 🔥
Yaar, I remember watching 'Spaceballs' with my dad on DVD! 🎬 Moranis coming back
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