PR in the Philippines

(SeaPRwire) –   Star Wars parodies have existed for nearly as long as the nearly 50-year-old Star Wars franchise itself. From “Pigs in Space” to Family Guy and Robot Chicken, the space opera genre is particularly well-suited for satire. However, only one spoof has achieved such popularity that it is now considered a sci-fi franchise on its own: Mel Brooks’ 1987 parody of the original trilogy, Spaceballs.

While Star Wars has already launched two new trilogies, Spaceballs is only now getting its first sequel, a situation that is about to be rectified. Brooks, who is approaching his 100th birthday, has unveiled a video teaser for the upcoming Spaceballs film, set for release next year, along with its new official title.

The question remains: does this new title betray a promise made by the original movie? The answer is somewhat mixed. Here is Mel Brooks’ explanation:

The teaser reveals that the sequel will be called Spaceballs: The New One, which is not the title fans had anticipated. The original film famously concludes with Brooks’ character Yogurt vowing to return in a sequel named The Search For More Money. Brooks claims to have a valid justification for the change. “Because after all these years, I found the money. There it is. The money. It was in my basement,” he states, pointing to a prop duffel bag filled with cash beside him.

Although The New One may not deliver on a four-decade-old joke, the title is technically correct, as this is indeed the new installment. Nevertheless, it is somewhat underwhelming that a sequel from a comedy icon is adopting the same naming style as Sharknado 2: The Second One.

This is not the only preview of the new film. Attendees at CinemaCon were given an exclusive sneak peek, and although the teaser has not been released online, detailed descriptions of the footage are available. Per Gizmodo, the teaser begins similarly to the first trailer for The Force Awakens, showing characters wandering across sandy dunes where they discover the helmet of Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis) buried in the sand.

Dark Helmet then activates a “reboot” button, leading to a sequence that evokes the classic humor of Spaceballs. George Wyner reprises his role as Colonel Sandurz, Dark Helmet’s lieutenant. “Look at us, sir. Back in the cosmic saddle after all these years,” Sandurz remarks. “Nothing can stop us now,” a statement that immediately leads to an interruption for a bathroom break.

“As they pee, a blue Na’vi from Avatar walks behind them and stands at a very, very large urinal,” the report details. This gives a clear idea of the film’s tone. Reports also indicate that several Harry Potter characters were visible in the teaser alone. In fairness, when Spaceballs: The New One arrives in theaters, it will have four decades of popular culture to parody, promising a joke delivery rate as fast as a blaster.

Spaceballs: The New One features returning original cast members such as Brooks, Moranis, Wyner, and Bill Pullman. It will also introduce new characters portrayed by Bill Pullman’s son, the popular actor Lewis Pullman, as well as Keke Palmer and Josh Gad. If Dark Helmet is genuinely hitting the reboot button, this could signal the beginning of a Spaceballs: The Next Generation.

Spaceballs: The New One is scheduled to premiere in theaters on April 23, 2027.