Mel Brooks Filmed His ‘Spaceballs 2’ Scenes Ahead of Everyone Else for This Reason

Few comedy legends have stayed in the spotlight quite like Mel Brooks, and fans have been counting down the days until he returns in the ‘Spaceballs’ sequel. The comedian celebrated his 100th birthday on June 28, 2026, while preparing to release the long-awaited follow-up to his 1987 cult classic.

The project, officially titled ‘Spaceballs: The New One’, will see Brooks once again playing 2 characters, the wise Yogurt and President Skroob. He also worked with the writers on the script and serves as a producer alongside Josh Gad, Josh Greenbaum, Brian Grazer, and Ron Howard.

Now, a new behind-the-scenes story shows just how committed the centenarian is to the project. Daphne Zuniga, who returns as Princess Vespa, revealed that Brooks shot his part before the rest of the cast began filming, and that it was entirely his idea.

According to Zuniga, Brooks bluntly told the team they had better film him right away because of his age, and the production obliged. She shared the story during a ‘Melrose Place’ reunion panel at 90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut, on October 18, as reported by People.

I told you we’d be back

— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) June 12, 2025

The tale is classic Brooks, practical and funny all at once. Principal photography on the sequel began on September 16, 2025, at Disney Studios in Sydney, Australia, wrapping by early December, though it hasn’t been confirmed where Brooks recorded his own scenes.

There was also a creative workaround for the comedy icon. Brooks portrayed Yogurt through CGI motion capture, sparing him the extensive makeup used for the character in the original film.

one of the greatest movies of all time Spaceballs trailer from 1987 https://t.co/tmBAgpDFve

— Gail Alfar (@gailalfaratx) August 25, 2024

The cast has been vocal about how sharp Brooks remains. Gad, who co-wrote and produced the sequel, praised his enthusiasm and effortless humor during an appearance on Kelly Ripa’s SiriusXM podcast.

Brooks hasn’t lost his flair for showmanship either. In July, he made his first-ever Comic-Con appearance via Zoom during the panel for the sequel, joking that it was one of the few things he’d never done in his career.

He also had fun revealing the title at CinemaCon in a pre-taped video. Brooks explained that the long-promised ‘Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money’ wasn’t happening because, after all these years, he had found the money in his basement.

The sequel is directed by Josh Greenbaum from a script by Gad, Benji Samit, and Dan Hernandez. Original stars Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, and George Wyner are back, joined by newcomers Josh Gad, Keke Palmer, Lewis Pullman, and Anthony Carrigan.

Moranis’ return as Dark Helmet is especially notable, since it marks his first live-action movie role in 30 years. Brooks even said Moranis is better in the sequel than he was in the original.

As for the story, plot details remain tightly under wraps. Amazon MGM has playfully described the film as a non-prequel, non-reboot sequel part 2 with reboot elements and franchise expansion. The timing couldn’t be more fitting. ‘Spaceballs: The New One’ is scheduled for release on April 23, 2027, marking the original film’s 40th anniversary.

Brooks has been teasing fans with his trademark humor since announcing the project in 2025. He joked that after 40 years, the team asked what fans wanted, and then decided to make this movie instead.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!