Rick Moranis, 72, has made his first live-action film appearance in nearly three decades, reprising his role as Dark Helmet in 'Spaceballs: The New One.' The sequel to Mel Brooks' 1987 cult classic was officially unveiled at Amazon MGM’s CinemaCon presentation on April 15, 2026. The film is set to hit theaters on April 23, 2027.
Moranis, who stepped away from acting after the 1997 film 'Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves,' has largely remained out of the public eye since the death of his wife, costume designer Ann Belsky, in 1991. He has focused on raising their children and has expressed no regrets about his decision to prioritize family over his career.
The CinemaCon event also featured original 'Spaceballs' stars Bill Pullman and Daphne Zuniga, alongside newcomers Lewis Pullman and Josh Gad, who co-wrote and produced the film. A teaser trailer revealed an updated look for Dark Helmet, with his mask resembling that of Kylo Ren from the 'Star Wars' sequel trilogy. The film’s title was confirmed as 'Spaceballs: The New One,' a nod to the original's humor.
Moranis appeared sharp in a dark blazer, grey sweater, and blue button-up, paired with grey dress pants and eyeglasses. The actor’s return to acting marks a significant moment for fans who have followed his career since his iconic roles in 'Ghostbusters,' 'Parenthood,' and 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.'