After decades of fan speculation, false starts, and endless jokes about sequels that never materialized, Spaceballs 2 has officially completed principal photography. Josh Gad, the driving force behind the long-awaited follow-up to Mel Brooks’ 1987 cult comedy classic, took to social media in early December 2025 to announce the milestone, sharing a celebratory photo and declaring that production wrapped in what felt like “ludicrous speed”—a perfect nod to the film’s iconic faster-than-light travel gag. The news marks a major victory for comedy enthusiasts, proving that sometimes the Schwartz is indeed strong enough to bring beloved properties back from the void.
The journey to this point began three years earlier when Gad, a lifelong fan of Brooks’ work, reached out to the comedy legend with an ambitious pitch: a proper sequel to Spaceballs, the irreverent parody that skewered Star Wars, Star Trek, and other sci-fi staples with relentless humor and fourth-wall-breaking antics. Gad couldn’t believe his luck when Brooks not only agreed but embraced the idea wholeheartedly. “I called Mel Brooks with an idea for a film forty years in the making,” Gad reflected in his announcement post. “I could not believe he said yes. But more importantly, I cannot believe that we actually got to make it.” For Gad, whose career spans Broadway, voice acting in Frozen, and sharp comedic turns, collaborating with Brooks—who turned 99 during production—represented the pinnacle of creative fulfillment. He described the experience as “the greatest creative experience of my entire life,” crediting Brooks for igniting his love of comedy from childhood.
Principal photography kicked off in mid-September 2025 in Sydney, Australia, under the direction of Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, Will & Harper). The shoot wrapped by December 1, 2025, after an impressively brisk two-and-a-half-month schedule. Gad’s “ludicrous speed” quip captured the whirlwind pace, as the team navigated a demanding production that balanced practical sets, visual effects, and the challenge of recapturing the original’s anarchic energy. Cinematographer Jeff Cutter helmed the visuals, ensuring the sequel maintained a grand, space-opera scope while delivering the sight gags and rapid-fire jokes fans expect.
The cast is a dream mix of returning legends and fresh talent. Rick Moranis makes a triumphant return as Dark Helmet after decades away from live-action roles, reprising the helmeted villain in what many consider his most iconic performance. Bill Pullman returns as the heroic Lone Starr, bringing back the Han Solo-esque charm that defined the original. Daphne Zuniga reprises Princess Vespa, George Wyner returns as Colonel Sandurz, and Mel Brooks himself steps back into the role of the wise, yogurt-loving mystic Yogurt—proving that at nearly a century old, his comedic timing remains impeccable. Newcomers add exciting energy: Keke Palmer joins in a key role, Lewis Pullman (Bill’s son) brings generational flair, and Anthony Carrigan rounds out the ensemble with his signature quirkiness.
While plot details remain tightly under wraps—Amazon MGM Studios has kept the story secretive—expect a continuation that parodies modern sci-fi trends, blockbuster franchises, and perhaps even the sequel culture itself. The original Spaceballs famously ended with a meta joke about merchandising and sequels (“Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money”), so the follow-up is poised to lean into that self-awareness with even more audacity. Gad, who co-wrote the screenplay with Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy), has teased that early readers were “blown away,” suggesting a script packed with sharp satire, heartfelt moments, and the kind of absurd humor that made the first film endure.
Brooks’ involvement extends beyond acting; he serves as a producer alongside Gad, Greenbaum, Brian Grazer, Jeb Brody, and others. His blessing was crucial—without it, the project likely wouldn’t have moved forward. Even at 99, Brooks’ influence permeated the set, though he didn’t attend the wrap party in person. Lewis Pullman noted in interviews that he never met the icon face-to-face during filming, yet felt his “spirit was there” through the script and legacy. The production’s joy was evident in cast reflections: Pullman called it “a dream come true,” while others praised the collaborative, laughter-filled atmosphere.
Distributed by Amazon MGM Studios, Spaceballs 2 is slated for a theatrical release in 2027—marking a full 40 years since the original hit theaters. The decision to go big-screen exclusive aligns with the film’s roots in cinematic spectacle, allowing fans to experience the parody on the grand scale it deserves. Post-production will now focus on editing, visual effects (to perfect those Schwartz-powered moments), and scoring, with the team aiming to honor the original while delivering something fresh for new generations.
The wrap announcement sparked an outpouring of excitement across social media. Fans flooded Gad’s posts with memes, quotes (“May the Schwartz be with you”), and pleas for earlier release dates. Many highlighted the rarity of a genuine sequel to a cult classic, especially one shepherded by its original creator. In an era of reboots and remakes, Spaceballs 2 stands out as a passion project driven by genuine affection rather than corporate mandate.
As the galaxy awaits, one thing is clear: the wait was worth it. From a phone call three years ago to a completed film in the can, Spaceballs 2 proves that sometimes the most improbable ideas can blast off at ludicrous speed. With Brooks’ wisdom, Gad’s enthusiasm, and a cast ready to comb the desert once more, this sequel promises to deliver the kind of comedy that makes the universe feel a little less serious—and a lot more fun.
