Cult-classic comedies rarely get a second act, especially ones that have spent decades comfortably enshrined in pop-culture history without a hint of a follow-up. When a beloved spoof leaves an indelible mark on moviegoers, the idea of getting the original band back together usually feels like an impossible dream. Yet, comedy miracles do happen, as fans are finally getting a Spaceballs return after almost four decades. 

Talking about the original band getting back together, Daphne Zuniga shares that the surreal and joyous reunion for Spaceballs: The New One was an absolute blast.

While taking the stage at 90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut, for a nostalgic Melrose Place panel hosted by PEOPLE executive editor Breanne L. Heldman, actor Daphne Zuniga treated eager sci-fi comedy fans to some fresh behind-the-scenes details regarding the upcoming Spaceballs sequel.

“It opens April 23rd of next year. Rick Moranis is back as Lord Dark Helmet, and Bill Pullman is back as my husband. His real son, Lewis Pullman, plays our son, the prince, and Keke Palmer is in it,” the actress teased.  

“It was great fun,” she added.

While responding to an audience inquiry about her returning role as Princess Vespa, the 63-year-old star shared exciting tidbits about the production's creative lineage, highlighting comedy legend Mel Brooks' direct guidance. According to Zuniga, Brooks collaborated closely with the writing team and shaped the project's tone. 

Recognizing his own advanced age with characteristic wit, the legendary filmmaker insisted on capturing his cameo early on, famously joking that production better shoot his scenes immediately because he had reached the century mark (via PEOPLE). The upcoming Spaceballs: The New One aims to recapture the anarchic spirit of the 1987 original, which immortalized itself by gleefully lampooning cinematic space epics like Star Wars.

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Earlier in the year, Rick Moranis reported a similar sentiment during the San Diego Comic-Con event.

Taking center stage at San Diego Comic-Con this past July to promote the upcoming sequel, franchise veteran Rick Moranis opened up about the surreal experience of slipping back into his iconic cinematic armor after nearly four decades. Reflecting on the passage of time during the event's panel alongside returning cast members and fresh franchise faces like Josh Gad, Keke Palmer, and Lewis Pull (who will be sharing the screen once again with his father) the 73-year-old actor admitted that stepping back onto a soundstage felt akin to navigating a bizarre temporal anomaly.

“I felt like I was in a time warp, but I was in that outfit and wearing the helmet. And it just felt very strange to be honest with you,” said Moranis. 

“But it started to feel really good and I really started to love it,” he added.

Plot details of the sequel have been kept under wraps, but it is certainly expected to spoof everything from Star Wars to Avatar and Harry Potter, according to the exclusive footage showcased at CinemaCon 2026. Attendees reported that a clip showed Moranis' Lord Dark Helmet urinating next to an Na'vi from Avatar at a urinal. The movie is set to land in theaters on April 23, 2027.

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Are you excited to see the original band back in Spaceballs: The New One? Do let us know.