Spaceballs 2: The Search For More Money—Everything We Know About The 2027 Release Date, Cast, And Plot

The galaxy has been waiting almost 40 years for a sequel, and as of today, December 18, 2025, the wait is officially on its final approach. The long-rumored, highly-anticipated sequel to Mel Brooks’ 1987 sci-fi parody masterpiece, *Spaceballs*, is not only confirmed but has already wrapped principal photography, entering the critical post-production phase. The film, tentatively titled *Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money*, is one of the most exciting comedy projects in decades, promising the return of beloved characters and the introduction of a new generation to the Schwartz. The biggest news for fans is the confirmed release window: *Spaceballs 2* is slated to hit screens in 2027, a full four decades after the original film first hit theaters. This update comes directly from the production team, including co-writer and star Josh Gad, who confirmed filming had wrapped just before the end of 2025. Backed by Amazon MGM Studios, the sequel is finally moving from a running joke in the original film to a cinematic reality, with a new creative team guiding Mel Brooks’ vision into the modern era of streaming and blockbuster parodies.

The Confirmed Cast and Crew: Who's Returning for the Sequel?

The success of a *Spaceballs* sequel hinges entirely on its ability to recapture the magic of its original ensemble, and the latest casting news is nothing short of miraculous. The project has managed to secure the return of several key original actors, alongside a powerhouse new creative team.

Key Production Team

• Director: Josh Greenbaum (known for *Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar* and *Strays*)
• Writers: Josh Gad, Benji Samit, and Dan Hernandez
• Producers: Mel Brooks and Josh Gad
• Studio: Amazon MGM Studios

Returning Original Cast Members

• Rick Moranis: The most shocking and celebrated return is that of Rick Moranis as the diminutive, helmet-wearing villain, Dark Helmet. This marks Moranis’ first live-action film role since 1997, a major coup for the production.
• Mel Brooks: The legendary writer/director/actor will return to his iconic dual roles as the wise, all-powerful Yogurt (a parody of Yoda) and the bumbling President Skroob. Brooks is also serving as an executive producer, ensuring the film maintains its original comedic tone.
• Bill Pullman: The swashbuckling hero, Lone Starr, is expected to be back, with Bill Pullman reprising his role as the space-trucking mercenary.

New Cast Members

• Josh Gad: In addition to co-writing and producing, Gad is set to star in a major new role, though details of his character remain under wraps.
• Keke Palmer: The popular actress is confirmed to be joining the cast in an undisclosed role.
• Lewis Pullman: Bill Pullman’s son, Lewis Pullman, is also rumored to be involved, potentially taking on a major role that could bridge the gap between the original and new generations of characters.

The sequel will, unfortunately, be without some of the original stars who have passed away, including John Candy (Barf), Joan Rivers (Dot Matrix), and Dick Van Patten (King Roland). The script will need to creatively address the absence of beloved characters like Barf (Lone Starr's half-man, half-dog sidekick) and Dot Matrix (Princess Vespa's C-3PO-esque droid).

The 2027 Release Date: Why the Long Wait?

While the news that filming wrapped in late 2025 is a massive step forward, the projected 2027 release date—a full two years away—is a common timeline for a large-scale, effects-heavy comedy.

Post-Production and Special Effects

The original *Spaceballs* was a parody of the *Star Wars* trilogy, relying heavily on visual gags, miniature effects, and practical sets. The sequel, however, will be parodizing a much wider range of modern sci-fi blockbusters, including the Disney-era *Star Wars* films, *Guardians of the Galaxy*, and possibly even *Dune* or *Star Trek* reboots. This requires extensive Visual Effects (VFX) work.

• VFX Pipeline: Creating the massive spaceships, like the new version of the Spaceball One, and the various alien worlds requires hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of CGI rendering and compositing.
• Sound and Music: The film will also need a score that both parodies and pays homage to John Williams’ iconic themes. The sound design, crucial for sci-fi comedies, will take significant time.
• Editing and Test Screenings: Mel Brooks’ comedies are known for their sharp, rapid-fire pacing. The editing process will be extensive to ensure every joke lands perfectly. Multiple test screenings will be held to fine-tune the final cut for maximum comedic effect.

Plot Speculation: What Will 'The Search for More Money' Entail?

The sequel's title, *Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money*, was a self-referential joke delivered by Yogurt in the original film, a meta-commentary on the nature of Hollywood sequels. Now that it is the likely official title, the plot is expected to lean heavily into modern cinematic trends, particularly the concept of the "legacy sequel" or "re-quel."

Parodying the Modern Blockbuster Landscape

The new film will likely target the current state of cinematic universes, franchise fatigue, and the over-reliance on nostalgia. Given the 40-year gap, the plot could revolve around the heroes of the original—Lone Starr and Princess Vespa—being pulled out of a comfortable retirement to face a new, even more ridiculous threat.

• The New Empire: Dark Helmet's return, potentially having been trapped in the “Mega-Maid” vacuum cleaner or a similar fate, suggests a new, more powerful Spaceball Empire.
• The Next Generation: The inclusion of younger stars like Josh Gad and Keke Palmer strongly hints at a passing of the torch. The plot could center on the children or proteges of Lone Starr and Princess Vespa, who must learn to harness the Schwartz to save the galaxy.
• Meta-Commentary on Sequels: Expect numerous jokes about Amazon MGM Studios, intellectual property (IP), fan service, and the sheer absurdity of making a sequel four decades later. The film will likely break the fourth wall constantly, a hallmark of Brooks’ style.

The inclusion of Rick Moranis is the biggest indication that the core dynamic of Dark Helmet and Lone Starr will remain central. Fans are eager to see how the sequel will handle the evolution of the *Star Wars* saga, from the prequels and sequels to the various streaming shows like *The Mandalorian* and *Ahsoka*. The potential for parodying modern tropes—such as "The Chosen One" narrative or endless spin-offs—is limitless.

Why This Sequel Is Finally Happening Now

Mel Brooks has always maintained that he would only make a sequel if the timing and the money were right. The success of legacy sequels in the 2010s and 2020s, combined with the massive proliferation of streaming content, created the perfect storm. The pivotal moment was the involvement of Josh Gad, a lifelong fan and a proven comedic talent. Gad’s passion, coupled with the financial backing of Amazon MGM Studios, provided the necessary momentum and resources. The return of Rick Moranis was likely the final piece of the puzzle, transforming the project from a hopeful idea into a guaranteed cinematic event. As the film moves through post-production, fans can expect more concrete details, including a finalized title, a full trailer, and an exact Spaceballs 2 release date in the coming months. For now, the 2027 window is confirmed, and the Schwartz is definitely strong with this one.