Summary
Spaceballs 2is finally happening, even after 37 years have passed since Mel Brooks' originalStar Warsparody. The originalSpaceballscame out in 1987, four years after George Lucas completed the originalStar Warstrilogy. Even thoughStar Warscontinued on in many forms over the decades, Lone Starr, Barf, Princess Vespa, and Dark Helmet did not get a chance to return to the big screen in the years that followed. This did not eliminate the belief that a sequel would be made at some point, and the announcement ofJosh Gad developingSpaceballs 2means it is finally time.
Amazon MGM is moving forward with Josh Gad’sSpaceballs 2, which he will star in and produce. Mel Brooks is also involved as a producer, but he is not writing or directing this sequel. This marks a shift for the sequel, as an entirely new creative team is spearheading development after decades of Brooks considering a return to the galaxy. That makes it all the more surprising thatSpaceballs 2is finally happening, but there are a number of reasons why it took so long for the Schwartz to return for another movie.
30 Best Quotes From Spaceballs
Spaceballs is the hilarious parody of the Star Wars franchise and deserves a watch for every Star Wars fan. Here are the best Spaceballs quotes.
Spaceballs Was Not A Major Hit Upon Its Release
It’s Become A Cult Classic
One of the main reasons whySpaceballs 2did not happen any earlier is because the original movie was not a major success. The film only made $38.1 million at the box office after reportedly carrying a $22.7 million budget. That means the film was likely not a profitable release in theaters as the box office did not double the cost.Spaceballsalso received mixed-to-negative reviewsinitially when it was released. Since the film initially fell short of becoming a major hit, MGM did not have an immediate incentive to bring Brooks and the cast back for another installment.
Spaceballs' legacy has changed drastically in the decades since its release, though. The movie became a cult classic and a beloved spoof ofStar Warsand other sci-fi franchises. Disney even utilized the recognizability of the film and Brooks' characters inone ofStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’s trailers. The increased notoriety ofSpaceballshas helped make the idea ofSpaceballs 2happening now more understandable, as it will now be another example of Hollywood capitalizing on known nostalgic IP.
Multiple Spaceballs 2 Ideas Failed To Move Forward Before
Mel Brooks Previously Tried To Make A Sequel
Josh Gad’s newSpaceballs 2idea is not the first time that a sequel has been developed, but none of the others made it this far. Dark Helmet actor Rick Moranis confirmed toHeeb Magazinein 2013 thatconversations aboutSpaceballs 2began about two or three years after the original filmcame out and became a cult video hit. He and Brooks could not come to terms on a deal for him to return for the film, which he suggested should be titledSpaceballs III: The Search For Spaceballs II.
A Spaceballs animated show was made and released in 2008
Mel Brooks also floatedthe idea of makingSpaceballs 2: The Search For More Moneyso it could come out shortly afterStar Wars: The Force Awakens. He said onTake A Kneein 2015 that he was thinking about doing the sequel in the near future. Brooks implied that Moranis and Princess Vespa actress Daphne Zuniga would both return. He also insinuated that it would mostly be a financial play asSpaceballs 2coming out right afterThe Force Awakenswould help give the film a big opening weekend. But, the movie never materialized from there.
Spaceballs 2 Can Capitalize On Star Wars' Revival Under Disney
There Is New Material To Spoof
It is also notable thatSpaceballs 2is now happening after Disney fully revivedStar Wars. Brooks has always had the franchise tied to the status ofStar Wars, andthe timing of making a sequel now that Disney’s sequel trilogy is done could be perfect. In the years sinceStar Wars: The Force Awakens, Lucasfilm and Disney have pumped out multiple movies and TV shows. This providesSpaceballs 2with a plethora of new material to spoof and jokes it can make atStar Wars' expense.
Every Star Wars Movie Or Show Made After Spaceballs
1999
2002
2005
2008
2008-2020
2014-2018
2015
2016
2017
2018
2018-2020
2019
2021-2023
2021-2024
2022-2024
Young Jedi Adventures
2023
Instead ofSpaceballs 2happening at a time when there was only the original trilogy or prequels to riff on,the sequel can now take everything from Disney’sStar Warstrilogy,The Mandalorian,Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and more into consideration. The fact that most of these projects have been quite popular at the box office or on streaming also suggests the audience is big enough that a funny spoof could find success, too.Spaceballs 2might be arriving at just the right time then. If it’s big enough, perhapsSpaceballs 3will also happen.
