Mel Brooks to return as Yogurt in ‘Spaceballs’ sequel set for 2027 release
The untitled sequel will star and be produced by Mel Brooks and Josh Gad for Amazon MGM Studios.
Comedy legend Mel Brooks is returning to the big screen with a sequel to Spaceballs nearly 40 years after the original was released and gained a cult following. Amazon MGM Studios recently announced that Brooks, now at 98 years old, will reprise his role as Yogurt, the wise and shameless pun on Yoda from the original 1987 film that parodied Star Wars and many other science fiction blockbusters.
Aside from playing President Skroob, Brooks directed the original, and is producing the new film with actor Josh Gad, who is co-writing the script and is thought to be starring in the film as well. The movie will be directed by Josh Greenbaum, with additional writing by Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez. The movie is in theaters in 2027, but does not yet have an official release date.
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Mel Brooks reprises fan-favorite role in upcoming ‘Spaceballs’ follow-up
Mel Brooks is headed back to the big screen in a sequel of Spaceballs, almost 40 years after the original became a cult classic. Amazon MGM Studios confirmed that Brooks, who is 98, will reprise his role as Yogurt, the wiseass parody of Yoda from the original 1987 film that spoofed Star Wars and other blockbuster science fiction of its time.
Brooks is producing the new sequel, along with actor Josh Gad, who is also co-writer of the script and will reportedly have a role in the film. Josh Greenbaum will direct the movie, along with writing from Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez. The movie is expected to be released in 2027, but no official release date has been given yet.
Details remain secret as production moves forward
Amazon MGM is tight-lipped about the film, including plot, casting, and the official title. In a tongue-in-cheek press release, the studio said, "It’s being discussed as 'A non-prequel non-reboot sequel part two… but with reboot elements franchise expansion film.'" The sequel has been years in the making and signals Amazon's further commitment to theatrical comedy releases.
The original Spaceballs was released by MGM in 1987. Starring Bill Pullman, John Candy, Rick Moranis, and Daphne Zuniga - with a voice performance by Joan Rivers, Spaceballs received poor reviews initially, grossed a little over $38 million at the box office (equivalent to about $105 million in today's dollars), yet became a cult classic. Brooks, who has not starred in a live film since a brief cameo in 2005's The Producers, is an EGOT winner (crown jewel of comedy directors and filmmakers).
