Rick Moranis returns to Hall H for an unforgettable Spaceballs reunion.

Amazon MGM Studios jumped to plaid speed Friday during San Diego Comic-Con with one of Hall H’s biggest surprises as the cast and filmmakers behind Spaceballs: The New One celebrated the long-awaited sequel to Mel Brooks’ beloved sci-fi comedy.

The panel kicked off with a heartfelt and hilarious video message from comedy legend Mel Brooks before filmmaker and longtime fan Kevin Smith welcomed director Josh Greenbaum, stars Daphne Zuniga, Keke Palmer, Lewis Pullman, Josh Gad, and screenwriters Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit to the stage.

Just when fans thought the surprises were over, Spaceballs Troopers stormed through the Hall H crowd searching for Dark Helmet impersonators. Instead, they uncovered the real Dark Helmet himself.

Rick Moranis, hidden among the audience, removed his disguise before making his way to the stage as Hall H erupted into thunderous applause and a standing ovation. The surprise appearance marked Moranis’ emotional return to the Spaceballs universe and instantly became one of Comic-Con’s most memorable moments.

The Cast Reflects on Returning to the Galaxy

Throughout the panel, Josh Gad and Josh Greenbaum shared stories about finally convincing Mel Brooks to revisit one of his most beloved films. Both spoke about the passion behind bringing Spaceballs back while honoring everything that made the original a comedy classic.

Rick Moranis and Daphne Zuniga reflected on slipping back into the roles of Dark Helmet and Princess Vespa for the first time in decades. The reunion with Mel Brooks, they explained, made returning to the franchise especially meaningful.

Meanwhile, newcomer Keke Palmer discussed joining such an iconic comedy franchise and embracing its unique brand of humor, while Lewis Pullman spoke about following in the footsteps of his father, Bill Pullman, whose portrayal of Lone Starr became one of the defining performances of the original film.

Although Bill Pullman could not attend Hall H in person, fans were treated to a special video message from Lone Starr himself, ensuring his presence was still felt throughout the celebration.

Josh Gad Honors John Candy’s Legacy

One of the panel’s most heartfelt moments came when Josh Gad paid tribute to the late John Candy, who portrayed Barf in the original Spaceballs.

Gad described Candy as the heart and soul of the original movie and spoke about the responsibility of preserving that spirit while introducing a new generation of characters to audiences.

The emotional tribute served as a reminder that while Spaceballs: The New One embraces fresh faces and modern satire, it also remains deeply connected to the performers who made the original film an enduring comedy favorite.

The Schwartz Is Still Strong

In true Spaceballs fashion, the panel blended nostalgia, comedy, and self-aware humor throughout the presentation. As Mel Brooks himself might say through one of the franchise’s unforgettable jokes, Hall H proved that “the Schwartz” is still very much with fans.

With Rick Moranis returning, Mel Brooks once again involved behind the scenes, and a new generation joining the galaxy, Spaceballs: The New One looks poised to celebrate the original while poking fun at today’s endless cycle of reboots, sequels, and legacy franchises.

Spaceballs: The New One arrives in theaters across the United States in April 2027.

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