Mel Brooks Insisted on Shooting His Scenes for Spaceballs: The New One Before the Rest of the Cast

Mel Brooks, the centenarian comedy legend who directed the original Spaceballs, arranged to have his scenes for Spaceballs: The New One shot first to ensure his character Yogurt made it into the movie lest he pass away during production.

“We filmed Spaceballs: The New One that Mel Brooks worked with the writers on. He’s a big influence in it. He filmed his part already before we shot. It was his idea: ‘You better film me now because I’m 100.’ So we did,” actress Daphne Zuniga revealed at this past weekend’s 90s Con, according to People.

Zuniga reprises her role as Vespa (now Queen) alongside Bill Pullman as Lone Starr. Lewis Pullman, Bill’s real-life son, plays their child, Prince Starburst. Rick Moranis also returns, reprising his role as Dark Helmet opposite George Wyner as his flunky, Colonel Sandurz.

The sequel’s cast also includes Josh Gad (as Mawg), Keke Palmer (as Destiny), and Anthony Carrigan.

The publicity campaign for the sequel has so far spoofed an 11-film slate for the Spaceballs Cinematic Universe, teased a now-digital Yogurt with ripped abs, and parodied The Force Awakens’ table read photo.

Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) is directing from a script by Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez (Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy; TMNT: Mutant Mayhem), and Josh Gad.

Amazon MGM Studios will release Spaceballs: The New One in 2027.