Comedian Rick Moranis returned to acting last fall, nearly 30 years after his last live-action role, to film the sequel Spaceballs 2: The New One. The actor, known for his roles in Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, described the experience of stepping back into character as “very strange” and like being in a “time warp” as he reunited with original cast members and saw younger actors on set.
Key Facts
Rick Moranis reprised his role as Lord Dark Helmet for Spaceballs 2: The New One. He last appeared in a live-action feature film in 1997 with Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves. The filming took place last fall, and Moranis shared his reflections on this experience at Comic-Con, as reported. The film is scheduled for release on April 23, 2027.
What Happened
After a nearly three-decade hiatus from live-action acting, Rick Moranis made a notable return to the screen. He filmed scenes for Spaceballs 2: The New One last fall, reprising his iconic role as Lord Dark Helmet. This return brought him back with original co-stars from the 1987 film Spaceballs.
Moranis’s last live-action feature film appearance was in 1997’s Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves. While he has taken on voice work in recent years, including the animated Brother Bear films and his co-created sitcom Bob & Doug, the filming of Spaceballs 2: The New One marked his significant re-entry into on-camera performance.
What They Said
Speaking at Comic-Con, Rick Moranis shared his feelings about returning to acting. “Well, I kept having to pinch myself because I would look at Daphne [Zuniga] and Bill [Pullman] and George Wyner,” he said, as reported. “And then there were all these young people.” He reflected on the passage of time, noting, “And I realized I was their age 39 years ago when we made this.
And here we are now and my kids are the age of this.” Moranis described the experience as feeling “like I was in a time warp,” adding, “But I was in that outfit and wearing the helmet. And it just felt very strange to be honest with you.” He concluded his thoughts by stating, “But it started to feel really good and I really started to love it.”
Background
Rick Moranis is a Canadian actor and comedian widely recognized for his distinctive comedic timing and memorable roles. He rose to prominence in the 1980s with appearances in films such as Ghostbusters (1984), where he played Louis Tully, and Spaceballs (1987), in which he portrayed the villainous Lord Dark Helmet.
Moranis also starred in the popular Honey, I Shrunk the Kids franchise, including its sequels. In the late 1990s, he largely stepped away from mainstream acting, focusing on voice work and other projects. His decision to return for Spaceballs 2: The New One signifies a significant comeback to the genre that made him a household name.
What’s Next
Spaceballs: The New One is slated for a theatrical release on April 23, 2027. The sequel will reunite Rick Moranis with original cast members including George Wyner, Daphne Zuniga, and Bill Pullman. Mel Brooks is also set to return.
The film’s cast will be further bolstered by newcomers such as Josh Gad, Keke Palmer, Lewis Pullman, and Anthony Carrigan, though their specific roles have not yet been revealed. The project is being directed by Josh Greenbaum, known for Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar and Will & Harper. Gad also contributed to the script alongside Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Rick Moranis last act in a live-action film?
Rick Moranis’s last live-action role in a feature film was in 1997’s Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves. He has since focused primarily on voice acting and other projects.
Who will Rick Moranis play in Spaceballs 2?
Rick Moranis will reprise his iconic role as the villainous Lord Dark Helmet in Spaceballs 2: The New One.
When is Spaceballs 2 being released?
Spaceballs: The New One is scheduled to be released in theaters on April 23, 2027.
Did other original Spaceballs actors return?
Yes, original Spaceballs actors George Wyner, Daphne Zuniga, and Bill Pullman are returning for the sequel. Mel Brooks is also reprising his role.
