Mel Brooks producing ‘Spaceballs’ sequel
Legendary comedy filmmaker Mel Brooks is returning to the world of Spaceballs and will produce a sequel that is currently in the early stages of development.
Notably, the 1987 movie was co-written, directed and produced by Brooks. A parody of the Star Wars franchise, while sending up other notable ones such as Star Trek, Alien, Planet of the Apes, The Wizard of Oz, and others, the film features some of the era’s most beloved comedians.
Starring Bill Pullman, John Candy and Rick Moranis, Daphne Zuniga, Dick Van Patten, George Wyner, and Lorene Yarnell, as well as the voice of Joan Rivers, the all-star film remains one of the most revered of the decade. In classic Brooks fashion, the auteur also enlisted regulars Dom DeLuise and Rudy De Luca for cameo roles.
Spaceballs tells the story of mercenary Lone Starr – played by Pullman – and his alien sidekick Barf, who rescue Princess Vespa of Druidia and her droid Dot Matrix from being captured by the Spaceballs, led by Brooks’ President Skroob. However, all goes awry when they get stranded on a desert moon, with a classic Brooks caper unfolding wherein the ineptitude of the characters leads to farcical moments, particularly after the foolish Spaceball commanders get involved.
Now, Variety reports that Amazon MGM Studios is developing a Spaceballs sequel. Josh Gad will star and produce alongside Brooks, who is now 97 years old. The project is in its infancy, with the plot being kept under wraps. According to the publication, Amazon refused to comment.
Gad has enjoyed an extensive career to date and has starred in various successful titles. However, he is best known for his work as Elder Arnold Cunnigham in Broadway’s The Book of Mormon and as the snowman Olaf in Disney’s global phenomenon, the Frozen franchise.
Elsewhere, they also starred as Le Fou in Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast and Hector MacQueen in Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. He is also set to make his directorial debut with the Chris Farley biopic, but no release date has been set for the project.
Josh Greenbaum will direct the Spaceballs sequel with a screenplay by Benji Samit, Dan Hernandez, and Gad, with Kevin Salter acting as executive producer. Samit and Hernandez have found much success as a writing duo as of late, with the likes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Pokemon Detective Pikachu, and Addams Family 2 being box office successes.
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