The Spaceballs: The New One panel at Comic-Con 2026 was a highlight of the event, bringing together a star-studded cast and a wave of nostalgia for fans of the original 1987 film. The presentation, which took place on July 24 was a masterclass in comedy and parody, leaving the audience in stitches with its clever send-ups of popular culture.
The panel opened with a grand parody of the Marvel Cinematic Universe‘s phase timeline presentations, complete with a hilarious take on the franchise’s numerous phases and release dates. The screens displayed several phases of Spaceballs, including musicals and unidentified release dates, in a genius homage to the MCU’s complex storytelling.
The Return of Dark Helmet and the Star-Studded Cast
The audience was treated to a surprise appearance by Rick Moranis who returned as the iconic character Dark Helmet. Moranis, disguised in a group of fans wearing Darth helmets, stood up to a roaring ovation, much to the delight of the crowd. Josh Gad who serves as the sequel’s writer, producer, and star, joked that Moranis was “underselling” his return and hinted at even more surprises to come.
Gad also paid tribute to the late John Candy stating that the film is a “love letter” to the beloved actor. He revealed that while he is not reprising his role as Barf, he is playing a new character, ew mog/mug, in the film. Lewis Pullman who plays Starburst in the movie, shared his least favorite scene from the original film and joked about his character’s quest to retrieve his father’s cowboy hat.
A Message from Mel Brooks and the Film’s Unique Humor
Mel Brooks the 100-year-old legend behind the original Spaceballs, beamed in with a humorous message, joking about his age and his quest to buy a rare Charizard card. Brooks returns as the almighty Yogurt in the sequel, and his presence was a highlight of the panel. Bill Pullman who reprises his role as Lone Starr, also beamed in, joking about his own quest for a rare Charizard card in the UK.
The panel also addressed the film’s humor in the context of today’s political climate. Josh Greenbaum the film’s director, stated that the humor is all about the laughs, while Moranis noted that there’s room in a Mel Brooks movie for both the smartest and dumbest jokes. The clip shown during the panel featured Brooks as Yogurt, along with Kiki Palmer and Lewis Pullman’s characters, and culminated with a hilarious scene involving an Avatar Na’vi entering the men’s room.
The Future of Spaceballs: The New One
The panel concluded with the announcement that Spaceballs: The New One will blast off in theaters on April 23, . The film promises to deliver the same blend of humor and parody that made the original a cult classic, with a star-studded cast and a script filled with clever references and fourth-wall-breaking jokes.
As the audience left the panel, they were buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming film. The Spaceballs: The New One panel at Comic-Con 2026 was a testament to the enduring appeal of Mel Brooks’ humor and the timeless charm of the Spaceballs franchise.
