They better not fuck this up! That was my first thought when I heard they were developing a sequel to the beloved sci-fi comedy, Spaceballs. I know I'm not alone in this. In fact, I'm sure there are many people thinking exactly the same thing. Probably even more so, now that the hilarious teaser has dropped.
After 40 years, we asked "What do the fans want?" But instead, we're making this movie.
Nothing is known of the plot, despite Mel Brooks' helpful introduction, but according to Deadline, the sequel has been described "by those who have not yet read the script" as "A Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part 2 but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film". Which suggests - rather reassuringly - that those involved clearly aren't taking this too seriously, and that it's highly likely Disney is going to be the butt of many jokes. That last one being rather important!
The trouble is, these legacy sequels can be rather risky. On the one hand you've got big success stories like Top Gun: Maverick or Blade Runner 2049, and even some moderate ones like Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. But a lot of them tend to be more like Coming 2 America or The Matrix Resurrections. Disappointing and unnecessary. Which is why that sense of dread won't be going away anytime soon... no matter how many times Josh Gad (who is a writer and producer on the film) points out that everybody who has read the script "has been blown away". Here's hoping he did a good job when bringing Brooks up to speed on Star Wars.
There are, however, some reasons to be optimistic. For one thing, Mel Brooks is returning as both a producer and as Yogurt (no word on President Skroob). While Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga and Rick Moranis will be reprising their roles as Lone Star, Princess Vespa and Dark Helmet respectively. Which has me wondering if George Wyner will return as Colonel Sandurz. Anyway, I like to think there must be something special about this script in order for it to draw Moranis out of retirement. Also joining the cast are Pullman's son, Lewis Pullman (Thunderbolts*, Top Gun: Maverick, Bad Times at the El Royale) and Keke Palmer (One of Them Days, Nope, Hustlers), both in undisclosed roles. I'm hoping they have some fun with Pullman and Pullman. What do we think? Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker? Kylo Ren and Han Solo? Mufasa and Simba?
The people behind the film are also a reason to be feel positive. Director Josh Greenbaum has a few comedic hits under his belt, including Barb and Star go to Vista Del Mar, Strays, and the documentary Will & Harper. While writers Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez worked on Pokémon: Detective Pikachu and TMNT: Mutant Mayhem. So there's definitely some talented people working on this long-awaited sequel, but will they be able to crack Brooks' particular brand of humour? Will it feel like a real follow up to the 1987 classic, or more like a soulless copy? If that teaser is anything to go by, they’ve cracked it. Or at least there's a strong possibility. They've certainly got plenty of new sci-fi to play with in developing a parody filled plot - another thing that teaser indicated.
The one thing that can be said of Spaceballs: The Sequel with absolute certainty is that John Candy and Joan Rivers will be sorely missed. Their absence will leave a massive hole. One that cannot be filled. So let's hope the sequel is a fitting tribute to their memory. That's what I'm hoping for, anyway. Well that and another hilarious adventure with Yogurt and the gang that parodies all of sci-fi and a few things closer to home... one that we had better see on the big screen, and not sent straight to Amazon Prime Video. Although at this point I’m not entirely confident of either.
In any case, the Schwartz awakens in 2027! And I’m excited for it… cautiously.
What are your thoughts on Spaceballs: The Sequel? Leave a comment below or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads. You can also email us at moviemoustache@gmail.com.
Comments
Post a Comment