Spaceballs: The New One took to San Diego Comic-Con 2026 to bring thousands of fans inside Hall H the latest details about the upcoming, highly-anticipated, return of the sci-fi spoofing pop-culture lancing franchise from a galaxy not so far away.

Here’s a look at what we got to see during the Spaceballs: The New One panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026.

The panel was moderated by Kevin Smith and featured panelists such as director Josh Greenbaum, writers Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, co-writer and star Josh Gad, original cast members Rick Moranis and Daphne Zuniga, as well as new franchise cast members Keke Palmer and Lewis Pullman.

Below are some of the highlights from the panel.

• Rick Moranis made his first-ever San Diego Comic-Con appearance, entering the Hall H panel as a surprise after a gag where trooper characters combed through the audience to find him. He received a much-deserved standing ovation and said he was thrilled to be back for the film.
  • Moranis rejected the idea that he had been “retired.” In one of the panel’s biggest laughs, he joked, “I really wasn’t retired. I was just negotiating.” He said this project finally felt like the right time because so much of the original cast was returning.
• Mel Brooks has been actively involved for years. Filmmakers said they’ve worked with Brooks on the project for roughly five years, with Brooks involved in script development, creative discussions, and offering notes throughout production rather than simply giving his approval.
  • Director Josh Greenbaum said the key to making the film was embracing Mel Brooks’ fearless style. He noted Brooks encouraged bold comedy and reminded him not to overthink directing, jokingly giving him the advice: “Don’t say cut first. It’s action… then cut.”
  • Mel Brooks returns as Yogurt courtesy of Wētā Digital and Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) visual effects. Because Brooks is now 100 years old and didn’t want to undergo heavy prosthetic makeup, the filmmakers recorded extensive performance capture and voice sessions. Greenbaum said leading VFX companies, including Weta and ILM, are helping recreate Yogurt on screen.
• Josh Gad explained the sequel’s origin story: while showing Spaceballs to his daughter, she asked to watch “part two” because of the original film’s ending joke. Realizing there had never been a sequel, he dreamed up a concept, pitched it directly to Mel Brooks in 2022, and that ultimately launched the project.
  • Today’s movie landscape makes parody even richer than in 1987. The original primarily spoofed the original Star Wars trilogy, while the sequel now has decades of sequels, cinematic universes, legacy franchises, reboots, nostalgia, and interconnected storytelling to satirize.
  • Moranis revealed discussions about a sequel date back to 1989. He said he and Mel Brooks had talked about making another Spaceballs for decades, often revisiting the conversation whenever a new Star Wars film was released.
  • Gad revealed new details about his own role. He confirmed he is not replacing John Candy as Barf, saying that role belongs solely to Candy. Instead, Gad plays an entirely new “Mawg” character, and he described the film as a love letter to John Candy, whose spirit and influence helped shape the movie.
• Bill Pullman appeared via a pre-recorded message, describing the production as one of the most meaningful experiences of his career because of the sense of family among both the returning cast and the newcomers. His message mixed heartfelt comments with playful jokes directed at his son.
• Daphne Zuniga shared a story from the original film’s casting. She recalled Mel Brooks repeatedly telling her she was perfect for Princess Vespa while still delaying the official offer for over a month, joking that after waiting 39 years for the sequel, another month back then now seemed fitting.
  • Zuniga is transitioning from her original role as Princess Vespa to Queen Vespa here, who now rules her own queendom.
• Lewis Pullman said he initially resisted joining the film because of his father’s legacy. After reading the screenplay, however, he called it one of the funniest scripts he’d ever read and decided he would regret turning it down forever. He also described making a film with his father as an unforgettable experience.
• Keke Palmer said she accepted immediately because the script genuinely made her laugh. She emphasized that the movie captures the joy and silliness of the original and said audiences could use more comedy right now. Gad also revealed Palmer had been their dream casting choice from the earliest pitch materials.
• They said Brooks always prioritized whether a joke was genuinely funny, believed comedy should “never punch down, always lift up,” and encouraged material rooted in truth.
• The team also teased that fans of recurring gags like Pizza the Hutt would be pleased, jokingly announced plans for a “Spaceballs Cinematic Universe,” and closed the panel by premiering footage before leading Hall H in a group message to Mel Brooks: “May the Schwartz be with you.”

Absolutely the type of panel that nerdtastic dreams are made of. We cannot wait to see this one in theaters!

See it for Yourself

San Diego Comic-Con takes place July 23 – July 26, 2026.

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