When Spaceballs was released in 1987, it met with a mild response from the audience as well as the critics. The film was directed by Mel Brooks, who also wrote and produced the movie, which was actually a parody of a number of sci-fi films like Star Wars, Star Trek, Alien, and Planet of the Apes.
However, as the years went by, the movie gained a cult following and became a part of the pop culture. And when something becomes a cult classic, it is always a risky move to make something out of it again. It looks like something similar is happening in the case of Spaceballs.
Josh Gad Is Working On Spaceball 2‘s Script
The original Spaceball was a parody of many sci-fi movies but mostly of Star Wars. The plot was set on a planet called Spaceball, which was from a distant galaxy. Mel Brooks‘ character Skroob was the president of that planet.
Skroob decided to send his people to steal the air supply from another planet called Druidia. Those characters were parodies of Star Wars’ Han Solo and Skywalker. The story was about how people of Druidia stopped Skroob’s plan, and it is hilarious with lots of slapstick comedy and funny punch lines, and the characters also break the fourth wall in the movie.
The production of Spaceball 2 was confirmed earlier in June this year (via The Hollywood Reporter), and recently at Fan Expo Canada, Josh Gad confirmed that he has started writing the script of the film (via X). There has been no official announcement about its release date yet.
Gad rose to fame with his role in the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon and with his voice of Olaf in Frozen and Frozen II. Being known for his comedy and improv, it can be understood why he took up the role to write as well as feature in Spaceballs 2.
In this case, however, it seems not everyone looks forward to the sequel. Some fans think that the story and parody nature of the first movie are self-sufficient. Some also believe that lately the Star Wars franchise is already struggling and it is better not to poke them further.
Let's not, ok? Spaceballs is an absolute delight but it is of its time, let's leave it there please.
— Natsuki. (@TwtZcro_) August 25, 2024
What can they possibly make fun of now?
— Natsuki. (@TwtZcro_) August 25, 2024
The Star wars franchise is already a joke.
So its gonna be bad. Well that sucks.
— Anytime23 (@Anytime23CCS) August 25, 2024
Can we get anyone else to write it? Maybe somebody funny?
— B⓪ (@ItsBoTime88) August 25, 2024
From now on – it's gonna be a failed movie.
— ¹⁸⁰ᴷ 🆁🅰🅺🅰🅽 🎸 (@pop_11711) August 25, 2024
It's going to be cucked and unfunny guaranteed now.. sad.
— Maine Antifa (@MaineAntifa) August 25, 2024
However, Mel Brooks seems to have no problem regarding the sequel. Gad revealed in his discussion at Fan Expo Canada that Brooks has told him, “Josh, you’ve got your finger on the pulse.” However, many fans of the original are still doubtful of Gad’s ability as a writer and if he can fulfill the responsibility.
Josh Gad’s Criticisms and Past Controversies
Although Gad is a well-known actor-comedian and voice actor, he has his own share of some controversies, which often become a topic of discussion for his doubters and critics.
Some feel that Gad has been typecast in his roles, and his comedic style is mostly one-dimensional. This builds a perception that he lacks versatility. Besides this, some of his recent projects, like Artemis Fowl, failed badly at the box office, which further affected his image.
Gad also has an outspoken nature and a strong social media presence, and sometimes many don’t agree with his social and political viewpoints. He recently got into controversy for his opinions about Israel attacks.
Besides these, Gad also got involved in the controversy over Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel in The Little Mermaid. Some people were not happy with Bailey’s casting, as they felt she didn’t look like the character. However, Gad took to X and openly protested against such critics for judging on the basis of skin color and defended Bailey.
It looks like Gad’s past impression on certain people and his past failures will pose a challenge for him in Spaceballs 2. However, only time will tell if he can prove his doubters wrong or if he messes up a cult classic.
Spaceball is available to stream on Prime Video.
Frequently asked questions
Is Spaceballs 2 actually happening, and who is writing it?
Yes. According to the article, the sequel to Mel Brooks’ 1987 parody was confirmed in production in June 2024. At Fan Expo Canada, Josh Gad revealed he had begun writing the script; he is one of the film’s writers. Gad is known for Broadway’s The Book of Mormon and voicing Olaf in the Frozen films. The article reported that no official release date had been set at the time.
Does Mel Brooks support Josh Gad working on Spaceballs 2?
Yes. The article reports that despite fan skepticism, Mel Brooks appears supportive of the project. Gad said Brooks told him, “Josh, you’ve got your finger on the pulse.” Even so, many original Spaceballs fans remain doubtful of Gad’s writing and worry the sequel could undermine the beloved cult classic.
Why are sci-fi fans skeptical that Spaceballs 2 will work?
The article reports some fans feel the original’s parody is complete and “of its time,” arguing it should be left alone. One reaction asked, “What can they possibly make fun of now? The Star Wars franchise is already a joke.” Critics also cite Gad’s typecasting, box office failures like Artemis Fowl, and past controversies as reasons for doubt.
