The Lord Dark helmet is SO back!
At a panel for the upcoming sequel to the 1987 “Star Wars” parody film “Spaceballs” at San Diego Comic-Con on Friday, Rick Moranis, who played the hilarious parody Darth Vader, made a special appearance.
The 73-year-old, who reprises his role for the sequel, donned his iconic huge helmet from the original film and walked through the packed Hall H of the San Diego Convention Center.
The crowd couldn’t help but give a standing ovation to Moranis, who gave up appearing in films nearly three decades ago.
The sequel, titled “Spaceballs: the new one” should be released in theaters on April 23, 2027. The project was championed by several comedians and actors including Josh Gad. It will feature some familiar faces, like the original film’s director Mel Brooks, who not only serves as a producer on the sequel, but also reprises his role as Yogurt, the beloved character from the Yoda parody.
Moranis’ entrance was certainly theatrical. The actor did not start the event with the rest of the panel. He instead surprised the crowd by appearing in the audience after being hidden under the helmet. The crowd, of course, went wild.
Moranis, who later joined the panel, informed fans of his decision to re-enter the industry with the upcoming film.
“I just felt like it was there. It was time,” he told the crowd. “I said yes, and it was the best decision I ever made.”
The actor, whose reprisal for the role of the beloved villain was announced last year, also joked that he never really left. He said he discussed the idea of a sequel in 1989.
“I wasn’t really retired.” he joked. “I was just negotiating.”
The panel was filled with several other standout moments, including a parody of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the universe of Marvel superhero films that are typically released in “phases.”
For this event, the panel unveiled the “Spaceballs Cinematic Universe”. The MCU parody included more than 11 phases, including “The Almighty Schwartz Saga.” (IYKYK!)
Although Mel Brooks, who recently turned 100did not attend the event, he sent a hilarious video message.
“Sorry, I can’t be with you. I’m at the convention trying to buy a rare Charizard card. When I was your age, on a Friday, I went to something called ‘work,'” he said in the video, according to Deadline. “From the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you, nerds.”