The resurgence in Star Wars popularity and success has reignited talks about making Spaceballs 2. Legendary filmmaker Mel Brooks has made a name for himself by creating some of the most outlandish parodies and satires over the years, as well as creating the comedy series Get Smart. While he has produced some of the greatest comedies over the years, one of his most famous has undoubtedly been Spaceballs, a parody of George Lucas’ original Star Wars trilogy, with hints of other fantasy and science fiction properties.
Spaceballs released in 1987, which was directed by Brooks and starred Bill Pullman as Captain Lone Starr (Han Solo), John Candy as Barfolomew (Chewbacca), Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa (Princess Leia), Joan Rivers as Dot Matrix (C-3PO), and Rick Moranis as Lord Dark Helmet (Darth Vader), as well as Brooks as Yogurt (Yoda). People have been clamoring for a sequel ever since the first movie released, and it looks like there’s a chance Spaceballs 2 could actually happen in the near future.
Mel Brooks attended a screening of his 1974 horror-comedy Young Frankenstein earlier this week, where he also held a Q&A with the audience. When asked about the status of Spaceballs 2, Brooks said that thanks to the popularity of the new Star Wars movies, MGM (who produced the original movie) is interested in potentially moving forward with a sequel. He said (via NJPAC): “Well, you know, I’m doing it. MGM is slightly interested in doing it because of the new Star Wars…They think maybe, so we’re talking.“
So… will there be a Spaceballs 2?! #MelBrooks says… pic.twitter.com/Ei89hTJLD7— njpac (@NJPAC) May 21, 2017
The original Spaceballs movie didn’t immediately become one of Brooks’ biggest hits, though it has since developed a substantial cult following in the years since its release. Just over two decades later, G4 and Super Channel co-produced Spaceballs: The Animated Series, which ran for only one season before being taken off the air. While the show was able to spoof aspects of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, it also included parodies of other notable franchises, such as Star Trek and Lord of the Rings. Zuniga and Rivers both reprised their roles from the original movie, but what fans really wanted to see was a sequel.
A few years ago, rumors began to spread that there was a Spaceballs sequel in development. Those rumors were quickly debunked, but Brooks did say he was interested in the idea. In fact, he had previously said he wanted to name the eventual sequel Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money. Brooks also said that he wanted Moranis to return as Dark Helmet, but the actor has yet to return to the big screen. And considering that several of the main cast members from the original movie have since passed away, a sequel would require almost an entirely new cast. We’ll just have to wait and see if there is enough interest from the studio to pursue Spaceballs 2.