Buckle up for a hyperspace leap into hilarity, as a long-awaited sequel to the 1987 sci-fi comedy classic Spaceballs is blasting off at Amazon MGM Studios. The project, which has been teased for years, is finally taking shape with a powerhouse team behind it, including original creator Mel Brooks, who will serve as a producer at the age of 99 and reprise his iconic role as Yogurt, the wise and merchandising-savvy mentor parodying Star Wars’ Yoda.
Brooks announced the sequel in a promotional video shared by Amazon MGM Studios, humorously noting, “After 40 years, we asked, ‘What do the fans want?’ But instead, we’re making this movie,” before closing with the iconic “May the Schwartz be with you.” The video, featuring a cheeky text crawl poking fun at the glut of franchise sequels, has sent fans into a frenzy across the galaxy.
The sequel, tentatively referred to as Spaceballs 2, will see Josh Gad stepping into the spotlight as both star and co-writer. Gad, known for his roles in Frozen and Beauty and the Beast, is collaborating on the script with writers Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez, whose credits include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Pokémon Detective Pikachu. Directing the cosmic adventure is Josh Greenbaum, whose recent work on Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar and Strays promises a fresh yet fittingly zany approach to the Spaceballs universe.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Gad expressed his enthusiasm for the project, sharing a glimpse of the script’s potential to honor its predecessor while forging new comedic frontiers. “Just handed in a film script that I think may be the funniest and best thing I’ve ever worked on and I am so freaking excited,” Gad wrote. “Co-writing the script with Samit and Hernandez has been heaven on Earth and many other planets as well. Love you boys!”.
The writing duo brings a robust resume, having crafted episodes of the White House sitcom 1600 Penn, where they previously worked with Gad, as well as the feature films Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, the animated The Addams Family 2, and the vibrant Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. His passion underscores the team’s commitment to delivering a sequel that captures the irreverent spirit of the original, which famously spoofed Star Wars and other sci-fi classics.
The 1987 Spaceballs, directed by Mel Brooks, remains a beloved cult classic, celebrated for its sharp wit, memorable characters like Dark Helmet and Lone Starr, and quotable lines such as “May the Schwartz be with you.” The film’s blend of slapstick humor and clever satire made it a standout in Brooks’ legendary career, which includes masterpieces like Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles. While plot details for Spaceballs 2 remain under wraps, fans are already speculating about potential references to modern sci-fi franchises and whether classic characters might return alongside new faces.
Amazon MGM Studios’ involvement signals a bold investment in reviving the Spaceballs legacy, with the studio likely aiming to blend nostalgia with contemporary humor to appeal to both longtime fans and a new generation. The project is still in early development, with no official release date announced, but the creative team’s pedigree and Brooks’ guiding hand suggest a sequel that could go to “ludicrous speed.”
As anticipation builds, fans are encouraged to rewatch the original Spaceballs and keep their eyes peeled for updates. Whether the sequel will feature Yogurt, Pizza the Hutt, or a new batch of interstellar oddballs, one thing is certain: the Schwartz is strong with this project.
