Mel Brooks Reveals Official Title for 'Spaceballs' Sequel

The comedy legend explains why 'Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money' isn't the real title.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:22pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring stark black silhouettes of iconic 'Spaceballs' characters and shapes against a high-contrast red and white background, conceptually representing the comedic sci-fi elements of the franchise.Mel Brooks' long-awaited 'Spaceballs' sequel promises a fresh take on the beloved sci-fi parody with a clever title that pokes fun at Hollywood's nostalgia-driven legacy sequels.Las Vegas Today

At CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Mel Brooks announced the official title for the long-awaited 'Spaceballs' sequel as 'Spaceballs: The New One'. Brooks explained that he already found the money, so the original planned title 'Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money' no longer applies. The new film will feature the return of most of the original cast, including Rick Moranis in his first on-camera role in decades.

Why it matters

The 'Spaceballs' franchise has a devoted cult following, and fans have been clamoring for a sequel for over 40 years. Brooks' clever title choice pokes fun at the trend of legacy sequels and reboots with generic titles, while also promising a fresh take on the beloved sci-fi parody.

The details

In a pre-taped video presentation at CinemaCon, Mel Brooks revealed the official title for the 'Spaceballs' sequel as 'Spaceballs: The New One'. Brooks explained that he already found the money, so the originally planned title 'Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money' no longer applies. The new film will feature the return of most of the original cast, including Rick Moranis making a rare public appearance to reprise his role. While Brooks is not directing, he is closely involved as a producer and co-writer, with the film also starring newcomer Keke Palmer as a heroine modeled after Daisy Ridley's Rey from the 'Star Wars' sequels.

  • The original 'Spaceballs' film was released 40 years ago in 1987.
  • The 'Spaceballs' sequel was announced about 10 months ago.

The players

Mel Brooks

The legendary comedy writer, director, and actor who created the original 'Spaceballs' film and is closely involved with the sequel as a producer and co-writer.

Rick Moranis

The actor who starred in the original 'Spaceballs' film and is reprising his role in the sequel, marking his first on-camera performance in decades.

Keke Palmer

The actress who is starring in the 'Spaceballs' sequel as a new heroine character modeled after Daisy Ridley's Rey from the 'Star Wars' sequels.

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What they’re saying

“It's me, Mel Brooks! I have a major announcement. Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money is not going to be the title of this movie.”

— Mel Brooks, Writer, Director, and Producer

“There it is. It was in my basement!”

— Mel Brooks, Writer, Director, and Producer

“It's just like the old one, but newer. That's why it's called The New One. There you have it. I'll see you at the movies! And may the Schwartz be with you.”

— Mel Brooks, Writer, Director, and Producer

What’s next

Spaceballs: The New One is expected to hit theaters later this year, though an exact release date has not yet been announced.

The takeaway

Mel Brooks' clever title choice for the 'Spaceballs' sequel pokes fun at the trend of legacy sequels and reboots with generic titles, while also promising a fresh take on the beloved sci-fi parody that fans have been waiting over 40 years to see.