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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Spaceballs

Spaceballs is a 1987 science-fiction comedy film directed by Mel Brooks.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Spaceballs is a 1987 science-fiction comedy film directed by Mel Brooks. It follows a rescue mission in which Lone Starr and his sidekick Barf try to save Princess Vespa from the planet Spaceball while the villains attempt to steal air from the peaceful planet Druidia. The film is widely described as a parody of *Star Wars* and other science-fiction franchises.

Plot

The story follows Lone Starr and his half-dog companion Barf as they try to rescue Princess Vespa after she is kidnapped by the leaders of Spaceball. Their journey includes meeting Yogurt, learning about the Schwartz, and confronting the villains’ plan to steal Druidia’s air.

Production

Spaceballs was directed by Mel Brooks and written by Brooks with Thomas Meehan and Ronny Graham. The cast includes Bill Pullman, John Candy, Daphne Zuniga, Rick Moranis, and Joan Rivers.

Release and reception

The film premiered in 1987 and has remained a notable example of an American parody film. It is frequently discussed as one of Mel Brooks’s best-known late-career comedies.

Legacy

Spaceballs has developed a long-term cult following and is often referenced in discussions of science-fiction spoofs. Public interest in a sequel has continued for years, but no released sequel titled Spaceballs 2 has been confirmed in the provided sources.

Key facts

  • Spaceballs is a 1987 science-fiction comedy directed by Mel Brooks.
  • The film parodies Star Wars and other sci-fi franchises.
  • Lone Starr and Barf rescue Princess Vespa from the forces of Planet Spaceball.
  • Rick Moranis played Dark Helmet; Mel Brooks played President Skroob and Yogurt.
  • The film has a strong cult following, including in Canada.
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Canadian context

Spaceballs had a strong North American cult following, including in Canada, and remains a familiar reference point for Canadian audiences interested in classic comedy and science-fiction parody.

Frequently asked questions

What is Spaceballs about?
It is a science-fiction comedy about Lone Starr and Barf rescuing Princess Vespa while the leaders of Planet Spaceball try to steal Druidia’s air supply.
Who directed Spaceballs?
Mel Brooks directed Spaceballs.
Who played Dark Helmet in Spaceballs?
Rick Moranis played Dark Helmet.
Is Spaceballs a parody of Star Wars?
Yes. It is widely described as a parody of *Star Wars* and other science-fiction films.
When did Spaceballs come out?
Spaceballs was released in 1987; the theatrical release date listed in the sources is June 4, 1987.
Is there a Spaceballs 2?
No released sequel is identified in the provided sources. Public discussion of a sequel has existed, but an official released *Spaceballs 2* is not confirmed here.

References

  1. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094012/plotsummary/
    Supports: Plot summary and character roles including Dark Helmet's kidnapping plot.
  2. TCM — https://www.tcm.com/articles/33753/spaceballs
    Supports: Director, cast, and description of the film as a 1987 parody of space adventure and Star Wars.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spaceballs
    Supports: Plot synopsis, release date, and main cast including Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet.
  4. MGM Studios — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK0yd4LtLdg
    Supports: Official trailer metadata stating the director and principal cast.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaceballs
    Supports: General plot overview and cast list, including Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet.
  6. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/spaceballs
    Supports: Identification of the film as Mel Brooks' 1987 spoof of the Star Wars franchise and release timing.