The highly anticipated sequel to the 1987 classic comedy film Spaceballs is finally here, and it’s packed with humor, nostalgia, and a star-studded cast. The Schwartz was indeed strong at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, where the packed Hall H room was filled with thousands of excited fans eagerly awaiting the panel for Spaceballs: The New One.

Rick Moranis made a triumphant return to the screen, reprising his iconic role as the villainous Dark Helmet, and the audience couldn’t get enough of him. The comedy legend was introduced by moderator Kevin Smith in a hilarious bit where he failed to walk on stage, only for some costumed Spaceball soldiers to find him with a giant comb.

Although Mel Brooks, the original Spaceballs writer and director, was not present in person, he sent a hilarious video message, joking about his age and trying to buy a rare Charizard card. Brooks’ age was a topic of discussion when it came to his reprisal of the role of Yogurt, which he played in the original film. In the new film, Yogurt will be a digital character, with Brooks providing the voice.

Creating a New Spaceballs Universe

The idea for a Spaceballs sequel was born out of a conversation between Josh Gad and Rick Moranis about making a follow-up to Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Gad pitched the idea to Brooks, who was excited about it. Gad felt that the time was right for a Spaceballs sequel because it could comment on the current age of nostalgia and the abundance of new Star Wars content available.

Josh Gad, one of the writers and producers of Spaceballs: The New One, explained that the new film would be a love letter to John Candy, who was a close friend and a comedic genius. Gad stressed that he was not playing Candy’s character, Barf, but rather another Mawg, Barf’s alien species. The film also pays tribute to other original Spaceballs cast members who have passed away, including Joan Rivers, Dick Van Patten, and Dom DeLuise.

The panel ended with a montage of footage from the film, which included some new gags and a mock Spaceballs Cinematic Universe slate reveal. The reveal included dozens of titles that spanned 11 phases, including 2 Space 2 Balls, Pizza the Hutt: Cheesy Does It, and Spaceballs: The Lawsuit.

Rick Moranis expressed his excitement about returning to the role of Dark Helmet, saying that he had a terrific time making the film. ‘I was in that outfit and I was in the helmet and it felt really strange and it started to feel really good and I started to love it,’ he said. Moranis also hinted that this might not be the last we’ve seen of Dark Helmet, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the sequel.

The Spaceballs panel was notable for being one of the rare Hall H panels to use the special side screens, usually saved for epic event movies. The filmmakers used this opportunity to create a mock Spaceballs Cinematic Universe, which added to the humor and excitement of the panel.

A Star-Studded Cast

Spaceballs: The New One boasts an impressive cast, including Keke Palmer and Josh Gad, who play new characters in the film. Lewis Pullman is confirmed to play Barst, the son of Bill Pullman’s Lone Star and Daphne Zuniga’s Queen Vespa. The film’s cast also includes Rick Moranis, reprising his role as Dark Helmet, and Mel Brooks, providing the voice for Yogurt.

The film’s writers and producers have promised that Spaceballs: The New One will be a hilarious and action-packed sequel that will delight both old and new fans of the franchise. With its star-studded cast, impressive visuals, and witty humor, this film is sure to be a hit.