SAN DIEGO — Rick Moranis made a surprise appearance at Comic-Con International on Friday, confirming his return as Dark Helmet in “Spaceballs: The New One,” the long-awaited sequel to the 1987 cult comedy set for release next April.
The 73-year-old actor, who has largely stayed away from Hollywood in recent decades, drew a standing ovation from fans after emerging from the audience wearing his character’s oversized helmet.
“This came along at the right time,” Moranis said. “It just felt like this is it. … It is the best decision I ever made. It’s like family to me.”
Moranis joined director Josh Greenbaum, actor and writer Josh Gad, writers Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, original cast member Daphne Zuniga, and newcomers Keke Palmer and Lewis Pullman during the panel.
Pullman, whose father Bill Pullman starred as Lone Starr in the original film, said he initially hesitated before accepting the role.
“I read it and I was like, ‘Damn it. This is so good. … This is one of the funniest scripts I’ve ever read,'” he said.
Mel Brooks and Bill Pullman appeared in prerecorded messages, while attendees also saw behind-the-scenes footage and a teaser trailer. Gad said the sequel will honor original cast members who have died, including John Candy, Joan Rivers, Dom DeLuise and Dick Van Patten. The panel also featured a parody of sprawling cinematic universes titled “The Almighty Schwartz Saga.”