Rick Moranis returns to the big screen for ‘Spaceballs’ sequel

Actor Rick Moranis has joked that he was “just negotiating” during his long absence from Hollywood as he confirmed his return for Spaceballs: The New One.

Speaking at a San Diego Comic-Con panel, the 73-year-old received a standing ovation from fans before joking, “I really wasn’t retired. I was just negotiating!”

Moranis said the sequel, due for release in April 2027, came “at the right time” and that the cast convinced him to join.

The film will see several original stars return, including Mel Brooks, Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga and George Wyner. New cast members include Keke Palmer, Josh Gad, Anthony Carrigan and Rowan Witt. Lewis Pullman, the son of Bill Pullman, has also joined the cast.

Fans at Comic-Con cheered Moranis as he appeared wearing Lord Dark Helmet’s oversized helmet and chanted his name. Many also welcomed his return on social media.

Moranis largely stepped away from acting in 1997 after the death of his wife, Anne Belsky, from breast cancer. He chose to focus on raising their two children and later said he had “absolutely no regrets” about taking a long break from Hollywood. His return to the Spaceballs franchise marks his first major live-action film role in decades.