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Mel Brooks, 100, was determined to reprise his role in the upcoming “Spaceballs” sequel — so much so that he insisted the directors film his scenes first.
Actress Daphne Zuniga, who worked with the comedian on the upcoming film, revealed that Brooks filmed his scenes before they officially shot the movie.
“We filmed ‘Spaceballs: The New One’ that Mel Brooks worked with the writers on. He’s a big influence in it. He filmed his part already before we shot,” Zuniga said during a Sunday panel at 90s Con, according to People.
“It was his idea: ‘You better film me now because I’m 100.’ So we did,” she said.
“Spaceballs: The New One,” is the sequel to the 1987 sci-fi parody, “Spaceballs.” Brooks, who wrote and directed the original movie, is set to reprise his role as alien character Yogurt.
Zuniga, who will reprise her role as Princess Vespa, revealed during the panel that the highly anticipated sequel is expected to be released on April 23, 2027.
The sequel, which was directed by Josh Greenbaum, also features new cast members Keke Palmer, Josh Gad and Lewis Pullman.
It seems like “Spaceballs: The New One” will be worth the wait, too, as it’s been in the works for quite some time.
Gad, who is a co-writer and producer on the film, praised Brooks for his enthusiasm and energy on the sequel during a 2024 podcast appearance.
“… It’s been such a thrill to get to see him literally still on form in every single way,” Gad said while speaking with Kelly Ripa on her SiriusXM podcast at the time, per People.
“He is so effortlessly funny and so unbelievably brilliant,” Gad added of Brooks.
And Brooks would probably agree.
During a September 2025 interview with the Times of London, the actor said that some days, he doesn’t even “notice” that he’s not 37 years old anymore.
“I talk on the phone and I write — every day. Always writing, always correcting, always questioning,” he said.