'Spaceballs' returns for a sequel with Mel Brooks, 98, as Yogurt. Will Barf make a cameo?
Brooks wrote, directed and played two roles in 1987's 'Star Wars' spoof 'Spaceballs' with John Candy as Barf.
The Schwartz is still strong in comedy legend Mel Brooks − and now, returning with even greater power.
Amazon MGM Studios announced that Brooks, 98, will reprise his role as the Yoda-like Yogurt in a new "Spaceballs" movie. The sequel to the 1987 cult classic "Star Wars" parody will be released in theaters in 2027, according to a June 12 release.
Josh Greenbaum will direct the film from a script by a top team that includes "Frozen" star Josh Gad (also a producer), Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez. Plot details and more casting news are being kept under wraps.
According to the release, the film has been described (by those who have not yet read the script) as "A Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film."
Confused? The ONLY important thing is that "Spaceballs" is back and Brooks will play Yogurt, the keeper of the power known as The Schwartz (which is definitely not The Force).
Yogurt predicted this reunion on-screen 38 years ago in the comedy that critics panned, but which lives on like a Borscht Belt Force Ghost. "God willing, we'll all meet again in 'Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money,'" Yogurt said at the time. It was foretold!
In a video with the announcement, Brooks, looking spry in a trendy black "Spaceballs" sweatshirt, spoke. "After 40 years, we asked, 'What do the fans want?'" Brooks said. "But instead we're making this movie."
He ended the video with a universe-resonating, "May the Schwartz be with you!"
Comedy Renaissance man Brooks directed, wrote and played two roles in the original "Spaceballs" — Yogurt and President Skroob. Rick Moranis starred as the Darth Vader-wannabe Dark Helmet, Bill Pullman was the Han Solo-esque Lone Starr, and Daphne Zuniga was the Princess Vespa. "Spaceballs" also featured the legendary late John Candy as Barf: a half-man, half-dog sidekick. Will Barf return somehow? We can only wait and see.
Deadline followed the Amazon newsblast by reporting that Pullman and Moranis would both return for the sequel.
Is the 'Spaceballs' sequel a good idea? When will it blast off?
Clearly, Amazon MGM has high hopes, setting the movie up for a 2027 theatrical release. It will be a much-awaited appearance of a comedic giant as Brooks has talked for years about a new "Spaceballs."
We'll just call it before filming even starts: What this crazy world needs now is Mel Brooks and two "Spaceballs."