Brief
Mel Brooks, 100, demanded his ‘Spaceballs’ sequel scenes be shot first
The comedian’s age prompted him to ask directors to film his parts early, with the sequel slated for April 2027.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Mel Brooks, who turned 100 this year, told the cast of the upcoming "Spaceballs: The New One" that his scenes should be filmed before the rest of the production, according to actress Daphne Zuniga at a 90s Con panel.
What happened
During a Sunday panel at 90s Con, Zuniga said Brooks "insisted" the directors shoot his portions first because of his age. She added that the crew complied, filming his role as Yogurt ahead of the principal photography schedule. The sequel, directed by Josh Greenbaum, is scheduled to open on April 23, 2027.
What the reports add
People reported Zuniga’s comments, noting that Brooks also worked with the writers on the project. The outlet cited a 2024 podcast appearance where co‑writer and producer Josh Gad praised Brooks’s energy, saying he was "still on form in every single way" and "effortlessly funny and unbelievably brilliant."
What was said
"It was his idea: ‘You better film me now because I’m 100.’ So we did," Zuniga told the audience, as reported by People. Gad, speaking with Kelly Ripa on her SiriusXM podcast, said, "It’s been such a thrill to get to see him literally still on form in every single way." Brooks, in a September 2025 interview with the Times of London, said he sometimes doesn’t even notice he’s no longer 37, adding, "I talk on the phone and I write — every day. Always writing, always correcting, always questioning."
How it came about
The original 1987 parody starred Brooks as both Yogurt and President Skroob. After decades of fan interest, the sequel was announced with new cast members Keke Palmer, Josh Gad and Lewis Pullman joining Zuniga, who will reprise Princess Vespa. Brooks’s insistence on early filming reflects his hands‑on involvement in the project, echoing his role as writer‑director of the original film.
Key facts
- Mel Brooks, age 100, asked that his scenes for the sequel be filmed first (nypost.com)
- The sequel "Spaceballs: The New One" is set for release on April 23, 2027 (nypost.com)
- Director Josh Greenbaum leads the film, which adds Keke Palmer, Josh Gad and Lewis Pullman to the cast (nypost.com)
- Actress Daphne Zuniga confirmed Brooks’s request at a 90s Con panel (nypost.com)
- Josh Gad praised Brooks’s performance during a 2024 podcast with Kelly Ripa (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Mel Brooks, 100, insisted on filming ‘Spaceballs’ sequel scenes first due to his age”
