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{{short description|1987 film by Mel Brooks}} {{short description|1987 film by Mel Brooks}}
{{About|the film|the TV series|Spaceballs: The Animated Series{{!}}''Spaceballs: The Animated Series''|other uses|Spaceball (disambiguation)}} {{About|the film|the TV series|Spaceballs: The Animated Series{{!}}''Spaceballs: The Animated Series''|other uses|Spaceball (disambiguation)}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2016}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2016}}
{{Infobox film {{Infobox film
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| director = ] | director = ]
| producer = Mel Brooks | producer = Mel Brooks
| writer = {{unbulleted list|Mel Brooks|]|]}} | writer = {{unbulleted list|Mel Brooks|]|]}}
| starring = {{Plainlist| <!-- PER POSTER BILLING --> | starring = {{Plainlist| <!-- PER POSTER BILLING -->
* Mel Brooks * Mel Brooks
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| distributor = ] | distributor = ]
| released = {{Film date|1987|06|24}} | released = {{Film date|1987|06|24}}
| runtime = 96 minutes<!--Submitted theatrical runtime: 96:04--><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/spaceballs | title=''Spaceballs'' (PG) (CUT) | work=] | date=July 14, 1987 | access-date=September 18, 2016 | archive-date=February 23, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223090149/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/spaceballs | url-status=live }}</ref> | runtime = 96 minutes<!--Submitted theatrical runtime: 96:04--><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/spaceballs-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0yodgynjq | title=''Spaceballs'' (12) | work=] | date=July 14, 1987 | access-date=September 18, 2016 | archive-date=February 23, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223090149/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/spaceballs | url-status=live }}</ref>
| country = United States | country = United States
| language = English | language = English
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| gross = $38.1 million<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=spaceballs.htm |title=Spaceballs (1987) |website=] |date=1987-08-18 |access-date=2022-04-12 |archive-date=July 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714235220/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=spaceballs.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> | gross = $38.1 million<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=spaceballs.htm |title=Spaceballs (1987) |website=] |date=1987-08-18 |access-date=2022-04-12 |archive-date=July 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714235220/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=spaceballs.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
}} }}
'''''Spaceballs''''' is a 1987 American ] ] film co-written, produced and directed by ]. It is primarily a parody of the ], but also parodies other sci-fi films and popular franchises including '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''. The film stars ], ], and ], with the supporting cast including ], ], ], ], and the voice of ]. In addition to Brooks playing a dual role, the film also features Brooks regulars ] and ] in ]s. '''''Spaceballs''''' is a 1987 American ] ] co-written, produced and directed by ]. It primarily parodies the ], but also of other popular franchises such as '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''. The film stars ], ], and ], with the supporting cast including ], ], ], ], and the voice of ]. In addition to Brooks playing a dual role, the film also features Brooks regulars ] and ] in ]s.


In ''Spaceballs'', heroic mercenary Lone Starr (Pullman) and his alien sidekick Barf (Candy) rescue Princess Vespa (Zuniga) of Druidia and her droid, Dot Matrix (Yarnell, voiced by Rivers), from being captured by the Spaceballs, led by President Skroob (Brooks), who wants to use Vespa as ransom to obtain Druidia's air for their own planet. However, the heroes get stranded on a desert moon, where they encounter the wise Yogurt (also Brooks), who teaches Starr about the ] known as "the Schwartz". Meanwhile, Spaceball commanders Dark Helmet (Moranis) and Colonel Sandurz (Wyner) lead the search for them but are hindered by their own incompetence. In ''Spaceballs'', heroic mercenary Lone Starr (Pullman) and his alien sidekick Barf (Candy) rescue Princess Vespa (Zuniga) of Druidia and her droid, Dot Matrix (Yarnell, voiced by Rivers), from being captured by the Spaceballs, led by President Skroob (Brooks), who wants to use Vespa as ransom to obtain Druidia's air for their own planet. However, the heroes get stranded on a desert moon, where they encounter the wise Yogurt (also Brooks), who teaches Starr about the ] known as "the Schwartz". Meanwhile, Spaceball commanders Dark Helmet (Moranis) and Colonel Sandurz (Wyner) lead the search for them but are hindered by their own incompetence.


The film was released by ] (MGM) on June 24, 1987. The film was released by ] (MGM) on June 24, 1987. A sequel is in the early stages of development as of June 2024.


==Plot== ==Plot==
Planet Spaceball, led by the incompetent President Skroob, has squandered all of its fresh air. Skroob schemes to steal the atmosphere from the neighboring planet of Druidia by forcing its ruler King Roland to give him the code to the shield surrounding it. Roland's daughter Princess Vespa flees Druidia in order to avoid an ] to the ] Prince Valium. The ship ''Spaceball One'', commanded by Colonel Sandurz and carrying Skroob's enforcer Dark Helmet, is dispatched to kidnap Vespa and her droid servant Dot Matrix. Planet Spaceball, led by the incompetent President Skroob, has squandered all of its fresh air. Skroob plans to steal the atmosphere from the neighboring planet of Druidia by forcing its ruler King Roland to give him the code to the shield surrounding it. Meanwhile, Roland's daughter Princess Vespa flees Druidia in order to avoid an ] to the ] Prince Valium. The ship ''Spaceball One'', commanded by Colonel Sandurz and carrying Skroob's enforcer Dark Helmet, is dispatched to kidnap Vespa and her droid servant Dot Matrix.


Mercenary Lone Starr and his "Mawg"<!-- do not edit to "mog", see discussion on talk page --> (half ], half ]) companion Barf are contacted by crime boss Pizza the Hutt to get him the money he owes them or else. When Barf asks "or else what", Pizza the Hutt's robotic minion Vinny quotes "or else Pizza is gonna send out for you". Roland contacts Lone Starr and offers them a high reward if they bring Vespa and Dot back to Druidia. In their ] spaceship ''Eagle 5'', the pair retrieve Vespa and Dot and escape via light speed before they can be brought aboard ''Spaceball One''. Dark Helmet and a reluctant Sandurz use "Ludicrous Speed", but overshoot the group badly when they try to follow. ''Eagle 5'' runs out of fuel and Lone Starr is forced to crash-land on a desert moon. Mercenary Lone Starr and his "Mawg"<!-- do not edit to "mog", see discussion on talk page --> (half man, half dog) companion Barf, in their ] spaceship ''Eagle 5'', are contacted by crime boss Pizza the Hutt and his robotic minion Vinny to retrieve the money they owe them "or else Pizza is gonna send out for you". Roland contacts Lone Starr and offers them a high reward if they bring Vespa and Dot back to Druidia. The pair retrieve Vespa and Dot and escape via light speed before they can be brought aboard ''Spaceball One''. Dark Helmet and a reluctant Sandurz use "Ludicrous Speed", but heavily overshoot the group when they try to follow. ''Eagle 5'' runs out of fuel and Lone Starr is forced to crash-land on a desert moon.


The four escapees travel on foot for a time, but ultimately pass out in the relentless heat. They are found by the Dink-Dinks, a group of diminutive aliens in sparkly robes, and taken to the hidden cave of the sage Yogurt. He advertises the film's tie-in merchandising, then begins to instruct Lone Starr in the ways of a mysterious power known as the Schwartz (which Helmet can also control). Lone Starr and Vespa develop romantic feelings for each other, despite Vespa's insistence that she can only marry a prince, and Lone Starr shows Yogurt a medallion bearing an indecipherable message that was found with him when he was abandoned as a baby. The four escapees travel on foot for a while, but ultimately pass out in the relentless heat. They are found by the Dink-Dinks, a group of diminutive aliens in sparkly robes, and taken to the hidden cave of the sage Yogurt. He advertises the film's fictitious tie-in merchandise, then begins to instruct Lone Starr in the ways of a mysterious power known as the Schwartz (which Helmet can also control). Lone Starr and Vespa develop romantic feelings for each other, despite Vespa's insistence that she can only marry a prince, and Lone Starr shows Yogurt a medallion bearing an indecipherable message that was found with him when he was abandoned as a baby.


The Spaceballs ] by going through a ] copy of the film to locate the ''Eagle 5''<nowiki/>'s whereabouts. Helmet disguises himself as Roland to lure Vespa and Dot out of the cave. As Lone Starr and Barf prepare to chase Helmet, Yogurt gives Lone Starr a ring that he can use to channel the Schwartz. The Spaceballs ] by going through a ] copy of the film to locate the ''Eagle 5''<nowiki/>'s whereabouts. Helmet disguises himself as Roland to lure Vespa and Dot out of the cave. As Lone Starr and Barf prepare to chase Helmet, Yogurt gives Lone Starr a ring that he can use to channel the Schwartz.


Helmet extorts the air shield code from Roland by threatening to have a plastic surgeon reverse Vespa's nose job, then imprisons her and Dot. Lone Starr and Barf infiltrate the prison and break them out, and all four escape in ''Eagle 5'' while leaving their stunt doubles to be captured. ''Spaceball One'' re-configures itself into a giant maid (''Mega-Maid''), opens the shield, and uses a vacuum cleaner to suck the air from Druidia. Lone Starr taps into the Schwartz to reverse the flow and return the air (saving Roland and the Druidians), then pilots ''Eagle 5'' into the head of ''Mega-Maid''. Helmet extorts the air shield code from Roland by threatening to have a plastic surgeon reverse Vespa's nose job, then imprisons her and Dot. Lone Starr and Barf infiltrate the prison and break them out, and all four escape in ''Eagle 5'' while leaving their stunt doubles to be captured. ''Spaceball One'' transforms itself into a giant maid (''Mega-Maid''), opens the shield, and uses a vacuum cleaner (vacuum of space) to suck the air from Druidia. Lone Starr taps into the Schwartz to reverse the flow and return the air (saving Roland and the Druidians), then pilots ''Eagle 5'' into the head of ''Mega-Maid''.


Lone Starr finds a self-destruct button, but Helmet interrupts and they engage in a duel using ]-like weapons that extend from their Schwartz rings. Helmet steals Lone Starr's ring and drops it through a floor grate, but Lone Starr gets a telepathic message from Yogurt telling him that the power lies within him instead of the ring. As Helmet prepares to attack, Lone Starr levitates a mirror and reflects Helmet's blast, knocking him into the self-destruct button. Lone Starr returns to ''Eagle 5'' and pilots it to safety; Skroob, Helmet and Sandurz fail to reach any escape pods in time and discover the "cancellation button" is out of order as ''Mega-Maid'' explodes. Lone Starr finds a self-destruct button, but Helmet interrupts and they engage in a duel using ]-like weapons that extend from their Schwartz rings. Helmet steals Lone Starr's ring and drops it through a floor grate, but Lone Starr gets a telepathic message from Yogurt telling him that the power lies within him instead of the ring. As Helmet prepares to attack, Lone Starr levitates a mirror and reflects Helmet's blast, knocking him into the self-destruct button. Lone Starr returns to ''Eagle 5'' and pilots it to safety; Skroob, Helmet and Sandurz fail to reach any escape pods in time and discover the "cancellation button" is out of order as ''Mega-Maid'' explodes.


Lone Starr and Barf discover that Pizza the Hutt had locked himself in a limousine and ate himself to death, absolving them of the debt. The duo return Vespa and Dot to Roland, but take only enough money to cover their expenses. The remnants of the ''Mega-Maid'' crash lands on a nearby planet ], who express dismay at the stranded Spaceballs. Lone Starr and Barf discover that Pizza the Hutt had locked himself in a limousine and ate himself to death, absolving them of the debt. The duo return Vespa and Dot to Roland, but take only enough money to cover their expenses. The remnants of the ''Mega-Maid'' crash-land on a nearby planet ], who express dismay at the stranded Spaceballs.


After being scared by a singing ] at a diner, Lone Starr and Barf find a final message from Yogurt hidden in a fortune cookie, telling them that Lone Starr's medallion means he is a prince and can thus marry Vespa. The two return to Druidia just in time to stop her wedding to Valium, and Lone Starr announces his royal lineage and marries Vespa. The film ends with them riding off in ''Eagle 5'' and a message to the audience stating, "May the Schwartz Be With You". After being scared by a singing ] at a diner, Lone Starr and Barf find a final message from Yogurt hidden in a fortune cookie, telling them that Lone Starr's medallion means he is a prince and can thus marry Vespa. The two return to Druidia just in time to stop her wedding to Valium, and Lone Starr announces his royal lineage and marries Vespa. The film ends with them riding off in ''Eagle 5'' and a message to the audience stating, "May the Schwartz Be With You".


==Cast== ==Cast==
* ] as Lone Starr, mercenary who travels the galaxy in his flying 1986 ] Chieftain 33, ''Eagle 5''. He is a parody of ] and ]. * ] as Lone Starr, a mercenary who travels the galaxy in his flying 1986 ] Chieftain 33, ''Eagle 5''. He is a parody of ] and ].
* ] as Barf, Lone Starr's "mawg" <!-- do not edit to "mog", currently under discussion on talk page --> (half-man, half-dog) sidekick. He is a parody of ]. * ] as Barf, Lone Starr's "mawg" <!-- do not edit to "mog", currently under discussion on talk page --> (half-man, half-dog) sidekick. He is a parody of ].
* ] as Princess Vespa, the spoiled princess of Planet Druidia. She is a parody of ]. * ] as Princess Vespa, the spoiled princess of Planet Druidia. She is a parody of ].
* ] as the voice of Dot Matrix, Princess Vespa's droid of honor and guardian. She is a parody of ]. * ] as the voice of Dot Matrix, Princess Vespa's droid of honor and guardian. She is a parody of ].
** ] provided Dot Matrix's on-screen physical performance. ** ] provided Dot Matrix's on-screen physical performance.
* ] as Lord Dark Helmet, the Spaceballs' short-statured, bratty, and often childish chief enforcer, who can wield the "down-side" of the Schwartz. He is a parody of ]. * ] as Lord Dark Helmet, the Spaceballs' short-statured, bratty, and childish chief enforcer, who can wield the "down-side" of the Schwartz. He is a parody of ].
* ] as: * ] as:
** President Skroob, the incompetent leader of Planet Spaceball. He is a parody of ] with his name "Skroob" being an anagram of "Brooks". ** President Skroob, the incompetent leader of Planet Spaceball. His name "Skroob" is an anagram of "Brooks".
** Yogurt, the wise and powerful keeper of the "up-side" of the Schwartz. He is a parody of ]. ** Yogurt, the wise and powerful keeper of the "up-side" of the Schwartz. He is a parody of ].
* ] as Colonel Sandurz, the commander of ''Spaceball One''. He is a parody of ] and his name is a reference to ]. * ] as Colonel Sandurz, the commander of ''Spaceball One''. His name is a reference to ].
* ] as King Roland, the ruler of Planet Druidia and Princess Vespa's father. * ] as King Roland, the ruler of Planet Druidia and Princess Vespa's father.
* ] as a radar technician on ''Spaceball One'' who can re-enact the radar's sounds. * ] as a radar technician on ''Spaceball One'' who can re-enact the radar's sounds.
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* ] as Prince ], a ] prince. * ] as Prince ], a ] prince.
* ] as Commanderette Zircon, a minion of President Skroob on Planet Spaceball. * ] as Commanderette Zircon, a minion of President Skroob on Planet Spaceball.
* ] as Dr. Irving Schlotkin. * ] as Dr. Irving Schlotkin, a plastic surgeon.
* ] as Nurse Gretchen, Dr. Schlotkin's assistant.
* ] as the voice of Pizza the Hutt, a crime boss described as being half-man and half-pizza. He is a parody of ] and his name is a reference to ]. * ] as the voice of Pizza the Hutt, a crime boss described as being half-man and half-pizza. He is a parody of ] and his name is a reference to ].
** ] (original takes) and Rick Lazzarini (reshoots and final takes) portrayed Pizza's on-screen presence. Lazzarini spoke Pizza's lines for the character's on-camera scenes with DeLuise's voice dubbed in later. ** ] (original takes) and Rick Lazzarini (reshoots and final takes) portrayed Pizza's on-screen presence. Lazzarini spoke Pizza's lines for the character's on-camera scenes with DeLuise's voice dubbed in later.
* ] as Vinnie, Pizza's robotic subordinate. He is a parody of the 1980s TV personality ]. * ] as Vinnie, Pizza's robotic subordinate. He is a parody of the 1980s TV personality ].
* ] as a woman in the diner. * ] as a woman in the diner.
* Jeff MacGregor as Snotty (uncredited),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fictionalpersona.com/snotty-mel-brooks-spaceballs |title=Snotty |website=FictionalPersona |access-date=18 May 2022}}</ref> a minion of President Skroob on Planet Spaceball based on ] from ''Star Trek''. * Jeff MacGregor as Snotty,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fictionalpersona.com/snotty-mel-brooks-spaceballs |title=Snotty |website=FictionalPersona |access-date=18 May 2022}}</ref> a minion of President Skroob on Planet Spaceball based on ] from ''Star Trek''.


] makes a ] credited as himself, parodying his character ]'s death in the film '']'' (1979).<ref>{{cite news|last=Matloff|first=Jason|title=John Hurt|url=https://film.avclub.com/john-hurt-1798228396|access-date=May 16, 2018|website=]|date=November 10, 2011|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517152912/https://film.avclub.com/john-hurt-1798228396|url-status=live}}</ref> Various actors and comedians appear in unnamed roles, with ], Michael Pniewski, ], ], ], ], ] (who was uncredited), ], and ] all appearing as soldiers of Dark Helmet. Additional unnamed appearances include ] as a waitress, ] as a newsman covering the news about Pizza the Hutt's death, ] as the head usher, and ] as an organist. Denise and Dian Gallup appear as Charlene and Marlene, two twin girls in Spaceball City who President Skroob keeps mixing up the names for. ], ], ], Antonio Hoyos, Arturo Gil, and John Kennedy Hayden appear as the Dinks (based on the ]) while their uncredited voices are provided by ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite AV media |people=] (director) |year=1987 |title=Spaceballs |medium=Motion picture | publisher=]}}</ref> ] makes a ] credited as himself, parodying his character ]'s death in the film '']'' (1979).<ref>{{cite news|last=Matloff|first=Jason|title=John Hurt|url=https://www.avclub.com/john-hurt-1798228396|access-date=May 16, 2018|website=]|date=November 10, 2011|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517152912/https://film.avclub.com/john-hurt-1798228396|url-status=live}}</ref> Various actors and comedians appear in unnamed roles, with ], Michael Pniewski, ], ], ], ], ] (who was uncredited), ], and ] all appearing as soldiers of Dark Helmet. Additional unnamed appearances include ] as a waitress, ] as a newsman covering the news about Pizza the Hutt's death, ] as the head usher, and ] as an organist. ] appears as Gretchen, Dr. Schlotkin's nurse, alongside ] as Arnold, Dr. Schlotkin's caddy. Denise and Dian Gallup appear as Charlene and Marlene, two twin girls in Spaceball City who President Skroob keeps mixing up the names for. ], ], ], Antonio Hoyos, Arturo Gil, and John Kennedy Hayden appear as the Dinks (based on the ]) while their uncredited voices are provided by ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite AV media |people=] (director) |year=1987 |title=Spaceballs |medium=Motion picture | publisher=]}}</ref>


==Production== ==Production==
]]] ]]]
When Brooks developed ''Spaceballs'', he wanted his parody to be as close to the original as possible. Even though the Yogurt character (Mel Brooks) mentions merchandising in the film, Brooks's deal with ] on parodying '']'' was that no ''Spaceballs'' action figures be made. According to Brooks, " said, 'Your are going to look like mine.' I said OK."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maxim.com/comedians/interview-icon-mel-brooks|title=Interview: Icon Mel Brooks|date=2013-02-06|first=Patrick|last=Carone|access-date=2014-01-20|archive-date=February 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223135520/http://www.maxim.com/comedians/interview-icon-mel-brooks|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="avclub">{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/article/mel-brooks-on-how-to-play-hitler-and-how-he-almost-89843|title=Mel Brooks on how to play Hitler, and how he almost died making Spaceballs |date=2012-12-13|first=Steve |last=Heisler|website=www.avclub.com |access-date=2014-01-20}}</ref> However, this agreement inspired Brooks to write Yogurt's "Merchandising" scene and include multiple ''Spaceballs''-branded products at other points in the film, such as placemats and toilet paper. While no mass produced ''Spaceballs'' merchandise was ever created, ] revealed in 2023 that he is in possession of the Yogurt doll used in the merchandise scene.<ref>{{cite web |title=George Lucas Talk Show Podcast |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib_9ysgXZQI?t=33m43s |website=YouTube |access-date=2 November 2023}}</ref> When Brooks developed ''Spaceballs'', he wanted his parody to be as close to the original as possible. Even though the Yogurt character (Mel Brooks) mentions merchandising in the film, Brooks's deal with ] on parodying '']'' was that no ''Spaceballs'' action figures be made. According to Brooks, " said, 'Your are going to look like mine.' I said OK."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maxim.com/comedians/interview-icon-mel-brooks|title=Interview: Icon Mel Brooks|date=2013-02-06|first=Patrick|last=Carone|access-date=2014-01-20|archive-date=February 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223135520/http://www.maxim.com/comedians/interview-icon-mel-brooks|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="avclub">{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/article/mel-brooks-on-how-to-play-hitler-and-how-he-almost-89843|title=Mel Brooks on how to play Hitler, and how he almost died making Spaceballs |date=2012-12-13|first=Steve |last=Heisler|website=] |access-date=2014-01-20}}</ref> However, this agreement inspired Brooks to write Yogurt's "Merchandising" scene and include multiple ''Spaceballs''-branded products at other points in the film, such as placemats and toilet paper. While no mass produced ''Spaceballs'' merchandise was ever created, ] revealed in 2023 that he is in possession of the Yogurt doll used in the merchandise scene.<ref>{{cite web |title=George Lucas Talk Show Podcast |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib_9ysgXZQI?t=33m43s |website=YouTube | date=November 2023 |access-date=2 November 2023}}</ref>


Brooks also had Lucas' company handle the post-production, saying, "I was playing ball with the people who could have said no." Lucas later sent Brooks a note saying how much he loved the film, including its story structure,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Trzcinski|first=Matthew|date=2020-06-17|title=How George Lucas Reacted to the 'Star Wars' Parody 'Spaceballs'|url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/how-george-lucas-reacted-to-the-star-wars-parody-spaceballs.html/|access-date=2020-06-18|website=Showbiz Cheat Sheet|language=en-US|archive-date=June 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618131034/https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/how-george-lucas-reacted-to-the-star-wars-parody-spaceballs.html/|url-status=live}}</ref> and that he "was afraid would bust something from laughing".<ref name="avclub"/> According to Rick Moranis, "In the original script, the description of was that the whole costume was one gigantic helmet. Then it got scaled back to just an exaggerated version of the Darth Vader helmet."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/rick-moranis-interview-expanded-dirty-830412/ | title=Rick Moranis Interview Expanded: Dirty Jokes, Full-Body 'Spaceballs' Helmet and Slow-Motion 'Horrors' | website=] | date=October 8, 2015 }}</ref> Brooks also had Lucas' company handle some post-production, saying, "I was playing ball with the people who could have said no." Lucas later sent Brooks a note saying how much he loved the film, including its story structure,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Trzcinski|first=Matthew|date=2020-06-17|title=How George Lucas Reacted to the 'Star Wars' Parody 'Spaceballs'|url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/how-george-lucas-reacted-to-the-star-wars-parody-spaceballs.html/|access-date=2020-06-18|website=Showbiz Cheat Sheet|language=en-US|archive-date=June 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618131034/https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/how-george-lucas-reacted-to-the-star-wars-parody-spaceballs.html/|url-status=live}}</ref> and that he "was afraid would bust something from laughing".<ref name="avclub"/> According to Rick Moranis, "In the original script, the description of was that the whole costume was one gigantic helmet. Then it got scaled back to just an exaggerated version of the Darth Vader helmet."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/rick-moranis-interview-expanded-dirty-830412/ | title=Rick Moranis Interview Expanded: Dirty Jokes, Full-Body 'Spaceballs' Helmet and Slow-Motion 'Horrors' | website=] | date=October 8, 2015 }}</ref>

The bulk of the film's visual effects were executed by Apogee Inc., which was founded by former ] employee ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Spaceballs (1987) - "Visual Effects by" credits |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094012/fullcredits?ref_=m_ttfcd_tt |website=IMDb |access-date=19 July 2024}}</ref>


Pullman got the part of Lone Starr when Brooks and his wife ] saw him in a play—he had never seen ''Star Wars'' prior to filming.<ref name="pullmanws">{{Cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/spaceballs-at-30-bill-pullman-says-crew-worried-blue-screen-would-make-go-blind-1011687 |title=''Spaceballs'' at 30: Bill Pullman Says Crew Worried Blue Screen Would Make Them Go Blind |last=Parker |first=Ryan |work=] |date=June 23, 2017 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-date=February 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221080943/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/spaceballs-at-30-bill-pullman-says-crew-worried-blue-screen-would-make-go-blind-1011687 |url-status=live }}</ref> Brooks had been unsuccessfully trying to sign on big-name actors such as ] and ] for the film. Pullman said, Pullman got the part of Lone Starr when Brooks and his wife ] saw him in a play—he had never seen ''Star Wars'' prior to filming.<ref name="pullmanws">{{Cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/spaceballs-at-30-bill-pullman-says-crew-worried-blue-screen-would-make-go-blind-1011687 |title=''Spaceballs'' at 30: Bill Pullman Says Crew Worried Blue Screen Would Make Them Go Blind |last=Parker |first=Ryan |work=] |date=June 23, 2017 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-date=February 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221080943/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/spaceballs-at-30-bill-pullman-says-crew-worried-blue-screen-would-make-go-blind-1011687 |url-status=live }}</ref> Brooks had been unsuccessfully trying to sign on big-name actors such as ] and ] for the film. Pullman said,
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===Critical reception=== ===Critical reception===
The film has received mixed reviews from critics. ] reports that, as of 2024, 52% of critics have given positive reviews based on 104 reviews with an average rating of 5.9/10. The site's consensus reads; "There's fine spoofery and amusing characters in ''Spaceballs'', though it's a far cry from Mel Brooks' peak era."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spaceballs/ | title=Spaceballs Movie Reviews, Pictures | publisher=] | work=Rotten Tomatoes | access-date=April 12, 2024 | archive-date=April 27, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427043512/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spaceballs | url-status=live }}</ref> On ], the film has a ] score of 46%, based on 14 reviews.<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web | url=http://www.metacritic.com/video/titles/spaceballs | title=Spaceballs (1987): Reviews | website=] | access-date=2009-05-16 | archive-date=February 10, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210230017/http://www.metacritic.com/video/titles/spaceballs | url-status=live }}</ref> Audiences polled by ] gave the film an average grade of "B−" on an A+ to F scale.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemascore.com|title=Find CinemaScore|format=Type "Spaceballs" in the search box|publisher=]|access-date=April 7, 2021}}</ref>{{failed verification|reason=Empty search box is not a good reference. The given search also turned up no results|date=January 2024}} The film received mixed reviews from critics.<ref name="TNYT" /><ref name="Collider" /> ] reports that 52% of 104 critics have given positive reviews and an average rating of 5.9/10. The site's consensus reads; "There's fine spoofery and amusing characters in ''Spaceballs'', though it's a far cry from Mel Brooks' peak era."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spaceballs/ | title=Spaceballs Movie Reviews, Pictures | publisher=] | work=Rotten Tomatoes | access-date=April 12, 2024 | archive-date=April 27, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427043512/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spaceballs | url-status=live }}</ref> On ], the film has a ] score of 46 out of 100, based on 14 reviews.<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |title=Spaceballs (1987): Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/spaceballs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210230017/http://www.metacritic.com/video/titles/spaceballs |archive-date=February 10, 2010 |access-date=2009-05-16 |website=]}}</ref> Audiences polled by ] gave the film an average grade of "B−" on an A+ to F scale.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemascore.com|title=Find CinemaScore|format=Type "Spaceballs" in the search box|publisher=]|access-date=April 7, 2021}}</ref>


At the time of the film's release, ] of the '']'' gave the film 2.5 stars out of 4, and remarked "I enjoyed a lot of the movie, but I kept thinking I was at a revival&nbsp;... it should have been made several years ago, before our appetite for ''Star Wars'' satires had been completely exhausted."<ref>{{cite news |date=June 24, 1987 |last1=Ebert |first1=Roger |author1-link=Roger Ebert |title=Spaceballs |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/spaceballs-1987 |work=] |archive-date=October 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013012557/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F19870624%2FREVIEWS%2F706240301%2F1023 |url-status=live |access-date=May 4, 2022 }}</ref> ] of the '']'' gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, saying that there were "just enough funny visual gags to recommend this wildly uneven film".<ref name="Siskel">{{cite news|last=Siskel|first=Gene|author-link=Gene Siskel|title=Flick of Week: Kubrick's 'Jacket' full of raw irony|newspaper=]|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-06-26-8702170188-story.html|date=June 26, 1987|access-date=January 23, 2023}}</ref> '']'' said that the film was a misguided parody and not very funny.<ref>{{cite web |date=31 December 1985|author1=<!-- Staff author(s); no by-line--> |title=Spaceballs |url=https://variety.com/1986/film/reviews/spaceballs-1200427111/ |website=] }}</ref> At the time of the film's release, ] of the '']'' gave the film 2.5 stars out of 4, and remarked "I enjoyed a lot of the movie, but I kept thinking I was at a revival&nbsp;... it should have been made several years ago, before our appetite for ''Star Wars'' satires had been completely exhausted."<ref>{{cite news |date=June 24, 1987 |last1=Ebert |first1=Roger |author1-link=Roger Ebert |title=Spaceballs |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/spaceballs-1987 |work=] |archive-date=October 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013012557/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F19870624%2FREVIEWS%2F706240301%2F1023 |url-status=live |access-date=May 4, 2022 }}</ref> ] of the '']'' gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, saying that there were "just enough funny visual gags to recommend this wildly uneven film".<ref name="Siskel">{{cite news|last=Siskel|first=Gene|author-link=Gene Siskel|title=Flick of Week: Kubrick's 'Jacket' full of raw irony|newspaper=]|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-06-26-8702170188-story.html|date=June 26, 1987|access-date=January 23, 2023}}</ref> '']'' said that the film was a misguided parody and not very funny.<ref>{{cite web |date=31 December 1985|author1=<!-- Staff author(s); no by-line--> |title=Spaceballs |url=https://variety.com/1986/film/reviews/spaceballs-1200427111/ |website=] }}</ref>
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===Impact=== ===Impact===
The film gained a ] in the following years.{{efn|Multiple references:<ref name="Deadline" /><ref name="TNYT">{{Cite news |last=Pullman |first=Bill |date=2017-07-25 |title=Bill Pullman: The First Time a Fellow Actor Had My Back |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/25/movies/bill-pullman-the-first-time-a-fellow-actor-had-my-back-john-candy-spaceballs.html |access-date=2024-07-03 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |quote=Critics were mixed about the movie at the time, but it has become a cult classic.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Margaret |date=2024-06-20 |title=The Schwartz Is With Josh Gad; The Broadway Favorite is Working on a ''Spaceballs'' Sequel |url=https://playbill.com/article/the-schwartz-is-with-josh-gad-the-broadway-favorite-is-working-on-a-spaceballs-sequel |access-date=2024-07-03 |work=Playbill |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stephan |first=Katcy |date=2024-06-18 |title='Spaceballs' Sequel in Development at Amazon MGM With Josh Gad Starring, Mel Brooks Producing |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/spaceballs-2-josh-gad-mel-brooks-amazon-mgm-1236041375/ |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Collider">{{Cite web |last=Farley |first=Lloyd |date=2023-01-01 |title=In the Galaxy of Parody Movies, 'Spaceballs' Reigns Supreme |url=https://collider.com/spaceballs-best-parody-movie/ |access-date=2024-07-03 |website=Collider |language=en |quote=While ''Spaceballs'' was met with mixed reviews upon release, the years since have seen a deeper appreciation of the film, above and beyond its cult classic status.}}</ref>}}
Despite initially getting a mixed reception from critics and audiences, the continuing popularity of the ''Star Wars'' franchise has meant it has since become a ],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmovie.com/work/spaceballs-45901 |title=Spaceballs - Cast, Reviews, Summary, and Awards - AllRovi |publisher=Allmovie.com |date=1987-06-24 |access-date=2011-08-12 |archive-date=February 7, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100207002632/http://allmovie.com/work/spaceballs-45901 |url-status=live }}</ref> and is one of Brooks's most popular and well-known films.


] has used Spaceballs' starship speeds (Light Speed, Ridiculous Speed, Ludicrous Speed, Plaid Speed) as inspiration for naming their acceleration modes. This despite the movie only using the first 3 and 'going plaid' being a side effect of Ludicrous speed. In homage to ''Spaceballs'', Tesla has ''Ludicrous Mode'' for acceleration beyond its Insane Mode, and ''Plaid Mode'', overtop Ludicrous.<ref name=Jalopnik-2017-11-17>{{cite news |url= https://jalopnik.com/watch-the-new-tesla-roadsters-plaid-mode-rocket-the-c-1820542817 |title= Watch The New Tesla Roadster's "Plaid" Mode Rocket The Car From Zero To 81 MPH In An Instant |first= David |last= Tracy |date= 17 November 2017 |website= Jalopnik |access-date= November 18, 2017 |archive-date= November 23, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171123021941/https://jalopnik.com/watch-the-new-tesla-roadsters-plaid-mode-rocket-the-c-1820542817 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name=PhysOrg-2015-07-17>{{cite news |url= https://phys.org/news/2015-07-ludicrous-mode-tesla-power-already-fast.html |title= 'Ludicrous Mode'? Tesla adds power to already-fast Model S |agency= Associated Press |date= 17 July 2015 |work= ] |access-date= November 18, 2017 |archive-date= December 1, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042634/https://phys.org/news/2015-07-ludicrous-mode-tesla-power-already-fast.html |url-status= live }}</ref> ] has used the film's starship speeds (Light Speed, Ridiculous Speed, Ludicrous Speed, Plaid Speed) as inspiration for naming their acceleration modes. In homage to ''Spaceballs'', Tesla has ''Ludicrous Mode'' for acceleration beyond its Insane Mode, and ''Plaid Mode'', overtop Ludicrous.<ref name=Jalopnik-2017-11-17>{{cite news |url= https://jalopnik.com/watch-the-new-tesla-roadsters-plaid-mode-rocket-the-c-1820542817 |title= Watch The New Tesla Roadster's "Plaid" Mode Rocket The Car From Zero To 81 MPH In An Instant |first= David |last= Tracy |date= 17 November 2017 |website= Jalopnik |access-date= November 18, 2017 |archive-date= November 23, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171123021941/https://jalopnik.com/watch-the-new-tesla-roadsters-plaid-mode-rocket-the-c-1820542817 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name=PhysOrg-2015-07-17>{{cite news |url= https://phys.org/news/2015-07-ludicrous-mode-tesla-power-already-fast.html |title= 'Ludicrous Mode'? Tesla adds power to already-fast Model S |agency= Associated Press |date= 17 July 2015 |work= ] |access-date= November 18, 2017 |archive-date= December 1, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042634/https://phys.org/news/2015-07-ludicrous-mode-tesla-power-already-fast.html |url-status= live }}</ref>

As part of its ], ] sold 20,000 "flamethrowers" in 2018<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.boringcompany.com/flamethrower |title=Flamethrower—The Boring Company |author=<!--Not stated--> |publisher=boringcompany.com |access-date=2018-01-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129102013/https://www.boringcompany.com/flamethrower |archive-date=January 29, 2018 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> inspired by the Spaceballs merchandising scene.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=elonmusk |author-link=Elon Musk |number=937447589460426752 |date=December 3, 2017 |title=The *real* money comes from merchandising. I learned it from this documentary.}}</ref>


A clip from the film, alongside clips of other ''Star Wars'' parody works, was used in a "special look" internet video used to promote '']'' in order to show the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Plainse |first=Josh |date=2019-11-25 |title=Star Wars 9's New Trailer Is Nostalgic & Awesome (Despite No New Footage) |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-9-rise-skywalker-trailer-saga-end/ |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US}}</ref> A clip from the film, alongside clips of other ''Star Wars'' parody works, was used in a "special look" internet video used to promote '']'' in order to show the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Plainse |first=Josh |date=2019-11-25 |title=Star Wars 9's New Trailer Is Nostalgic & Awesome (Despite No New Footage) |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-9-rise-skywalker-trailer-saga-end/ |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US}}</ref>
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==In other media== ==In other media==
* A novelization for the film was released on June 1, 1987, written by ] under the pen name Jovial Bob Stine, along with Mel Brooks, Thomas Meehan, Ronny Graham. * A novelization for the film was released on June 1, 1987, written by ] under the pen name Jovial Bob Stine, along with Mel Brooks, ], and ].
* ''Spaceballs'' was developed into an animated television show which debuted in September 2008 as '']'' on ] (US) and ] (Canada).<ref>{{cite web | last=Guider | first=Elizabeth | title='Spaceballs' rolls to TV | url=https://variety.com/2005/scene/markets-festivals/spaceballs-rolls-to-tv-1117916598/ | work=] | date=January 19, 2005 | access-date=February 15, 2017 | archive-date=May 5, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505084002/https://variety.com/2005/scene/markets-festivals/spaceballs-rolls-to-tv-1117916598/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | last=Vozick-Levinson | first=Simon | title=Mel Brooks readies a ''Spaceballs'' cartoon for TV | url=https://ew.com/article/2006/09/26/mel-brooks-readies-spaceballs-cartoon-tv/ | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | date=September 26, 2006 | access-date=February 15, 2017 | archive-date=February 16, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216061146/http://ew.com/article/2006/09/26/mel-brooks-readies-spaceballs-cartoon-tv/ | url-status=live }}</ref> * ''Spaceballs'' was developed into an animated television show which debuted in September 2008 as '']'' on ] (US) and ] (Canada).<ref>{{cite web | last=Guider | first=Elizabeth | title='Spaceballs' rolls to TV | url=https://variety.com/2005/scene/markets-festivals/spaceballs-rolls-to-tv-1117916598/ | work=] | date=January 19, 2005 | access-date=February 15, 2017 | archive-date=May 5, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505084002/https://variety.com/2005/scene/markets-festivals/spaceballs-rolls-to-tv-1117916598/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | last=Vozick-Levinson | first=Simon | title=Mel Brooks readies a ''Spaceballs'' cartoon for TV | url=https://ew.com/article/2006/09/26/mel-brooks-readies-spaceballs-cartoon-tv/ | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | date=September 26, 2006 | access-date=February 15, 2017 | archive-date=February 16, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216061146/http://ew.com/article/2006/09/26/mel-brooks-readies-spaceballs-cartoon-tv/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
* Moranis claimed in a 2013 interview that he and Brooks had discussed a potential ], with Moranis pitching the title ''Spaceballs III: The Search for Spaceballs II''. However, he and Brooks were unable to structure a deal that would allow the project to move forward.<ref>{{cite web | last=Abrams | first=Brian | title="You Don't Do Liner Notes With The Dead Sea Scrolls": Rick Moranis In Conversation | url=http://heebmagazine.com/exclusive-rick-moranis-on-spaceballs-2-ghostbusters-3-and-my-mothers-brisket/45895 | work=Heeb | date=June 23, 2013 | access-date=February 15, 2017 | archive-date=December 7, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207213232/http://heebmagazine.com/exclusive-rick-moranis-on-spaceballs-2-ghostbusters-3-and-my-mothers-brisket/45895 | url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2015, Brooks said that he would like to make a sequel to be released after the ] and hoped that Moranis would reprise his role. This proposed film, Brooks said, may be called ''Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money''.<ref>{{cite web | last=Heller | first=Corinne | title=Spaceballs 2 a Go? Mel Brooks Talks Sequel, Its Perfect, Obvious Title and Rick Moranis | url=http://ca.eonline.com/news/622887/spaceballs-2-a-go-mel-brooks-talks-sequel-its-perfect-obvious-title-and-rick-moranis | work=E! Online | date=February 6, 2015 | access-date=February 15, 2017}}</ref> However, in February 2020, Bill Pullman said during an interview with ''Daily Blast Live'', "It's up to Mel. Ask him if he has too much money and that's why he doesn't do it."<ref>{{Citation|title=Bill Pullman Chats "The Sinner"|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMquBNSbGxc|language=en|access-date=2020-02-11|archive-date=February 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224194612/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMquBNSbGxc&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
* In the episode '']'' of the American adult sketch comedy television series '']'' the segment ''George Lucas At The Convention'' features a ''Star Wars'' fan wearing a Barf costume from ''Spaceballs''. * In the episode '']'' of the American adult sketch comedy television series '']'' the segment ''George Lucas At The Convention'' features a ''Star Wars'' fan wearing a Barf costume from ''Spaceballs''.
* Moranis vocally reprised his role as Dark Helmet in the episode "Spaceballs" of the American sitcom '']''.<ref>"'']''". '']. Season 5. Episode 21. May 9, 2018. ].</ref> * Moranis vocally reprised his role as Dark Helmet in the episode "Spaceballs" of the American sitcom '']''.<ref>"'']''". '']. Season 5. Episode 21. May 9, 2018. ].</ref>
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==Props== ==Props==
A {{frac|1|12}}-scale model of the ], ''Eagle 5'', was auctioned on December 11, 2018.<ref name=WinnAuc>{{cite web |last=Kautonen |first=Antti |title='Spaceballs' Winnebago Model to Be Auctioned |url=https://www.autoblog.com/2018/11/13/spaceballs-winnebago-auction/ |website=Autoblog |access-date=29 November 2018 |date=November 13, 2018 |archive-date=November 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114210058/https://www.autoblog.com/2018/11/13/spaceballs-winnebago-auction/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The model was created by film special effects designer ], who also created models for '']'' and '']''.<ref name=WinnAuc/> The model makes an appearance early in the film with the introduction of Barf and Lone Starr.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9QhUoOwHN8|publisher=]|title=Bon Jovi and Barf (1080p)|access-date=17 April 2020|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403203348/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9QhUoOwHN8|url-status=live}}</ref> The model, along with other special effects artifacts from then-current films such as '']'' and '']'', was displayed at Chicago's ] in the summer of 1988.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1988-07-22-8801160797-story.html |title=Museum of Science and Industry Keeps up with the Times |website=] |date=July 22, 1988 |access-date=June 17, 2020 |archive-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618125318/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1988-07-22-8801160797-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A {{frac|1|12}}-scale model of the ], ''Eagle 5'', was auctioned on December 11, 2018.<ref name=WinnAuc>{{cite web |last=Kautonen |first=Antti |title='Spaceballs' Winnebago Model to Be Auctioned |url=https://www.autoblog.com/2018/11/13/spaceballs-winnebago-auction/ |website=Autoblog |access-date=29 November 2018 |date=November 13, 2018 |archive-date=November 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114210058/https://www.autoblog.com/2018/11/13/spaceballs-winnebago-auction/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The model was created by film special effects designer ], who also created models for '']'' and '']''.<ref name=WinnAuc/> The model makes an appearance early in the film with the introduction of Barf and Lone Starr.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9QhUoOwHN8|publisher=]|title=Bon Jovi and Barf (1080p)|access-date=17 April 2020|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403203348/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9QhUoOwHN8|url-status=live}}</ref> The model, along with other special effects artifacts from then-current films such as '']'' and '']'', was displayed at Chicago's ] in the summer of 1988.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1988-07-22-8801160797-story.html |title=Museum of Science and Industry Keeps up with the Times |website=] |date=July 22, 1988 |access-date=June 17, 2020 |archive-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618125318/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1988-07-22-8801160797-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Sequel==
Moranis claimed in a 2013 interview that he and Brooks had discussed a potential ], with Moranis pitching the title ''Spaceballs III: The Search for Spaceballs II''. However, he and Brooks were unable to structure a deal that would allow the project to move forward.<ref>{{cite web | last=Abrams | first=Brian | title="You Don't Do Liner Notes With The Dead Sea Scrolls": Rick Moranis In Conversation | url=http://heebmagazine.com/exclusive-rick-moranis-on-spaceballs-2-ghostbusters-3-and-my-mothers-brisket/45895 | work=Heeb | date=June 23, 2013 | access-date=February 15, 2017 | archive-date=December 7, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207213232/http://heebmagazine.com/exclusive-rick-moranis-on-spaceballs-2-ghostbusters-3-and-my-mothers-brisket/45895 | url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2015, Brooks said that he would like to make a sequel to be released after the ] and hoped that Moranis would reprise his role. This proposed film, Brooks said, may be called ''Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money''.<ref>{{cite web | last=Heller | first=Corinne | title=Spaceballs 2 a Go? Mel Brooks Talks Sequel, Its Perfect, Obvious Title and Rick Moranis | url=http://ca.eonline.com/news/622887/spaceballs-2-a-go-mel-brooks-talks-sequel-its-perfect-obvious-title-and-rick-moranis | work=E! Online | date=February 6, 2015 | access-date=February 15, 2017}}</ref> However, in February 2020, Bill Pullman said during an interview with ''Daily Blast Live'', "It's up to Mel. Ask him if he has too much money and that's why he doesn't do it."<ref>{{Citation|title=Bill Pullman Chats "The Sinner"| date=February 6, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMquBNSbGxc|language=en|access-date=2020-02-11|archive-date=February 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224194612/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMquBNSbGxc&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2024, it was announced that a sequel is in the early stages of development at ] with ] attached to star and co-produce the film alongside Brooks. ] is attached to direct the film with a script from ], ], and Gad.<ref name="Deadline">{{Cite web |last=Grobar |first=Matt |title=Josh Gad, Mel Brooks & Josh Greenbaum Teaming For 'Spaceballs' Sequel At Amazon MGM |url=https://deadline.com/2024/06/spaceballs-sequel-josh-gad-mel-brooks-josh-greenbaum-1235977567/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=June 18, 2024 |access-date=August 17, 2024 }}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}


==References== ==References==
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==External links== ==External links==
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* {{IMDb title|0094012|Spaceballs}} * {{IMDb title|0094012|Spaceballs}}
* {{Amg title|45901|Spaceballs}} * {{TCMDb title|17777|Spaceballs}}
* {{Tcmdb title|17777|Spaceballs}}
* {{AFI film|57824}} * {{AFI film|57824}}
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Latest revision as of 17:11, 20 January 2025

1987 film by Mel Brooks This article is about the film. For the TV series, see Spaceballs: The Animated Series. For other uses, see Spaceball (disambiguation).

Spaceballs
Theatrical release poster by John Alvin
Directed byMel Brooks
Written by
Produced byMel Brooks
Starring
CinematographyNick McLean
Edited byConrad Buff IV
Music byJohn Morris
Production
companies
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Brooksfilms
Distributed byMetro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release date
  • June 24, 1987 (1987-06-24)
Running time96 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$22.7 million
Box office$38.1 million

Spaceballs is a 1987 American space opera parody film co-written, produced and directed by Mel Brooks. It primarily parodies the original Star Wars trilogy, but also of other popular franchises such as Star Trek, Alien, The Wizard of Oz, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Planet of the Apes, and Transformers. The film stars Bill Pullman, John Candy, and Rick Moranis, with the supporting cast including Daphne Zuniga, Dick Van Patten, George Wyner, Lorene Yarnell, and the voice of Joan Rivers. In addition to Brooks playing a dual role, the film also features Brooks regulars Dom DeLuise and Rudy De Luca in cameo appearances.

In Spaceballs, heroic mercenary Lone Starr (Pullman) and his alien sidekick Barf (Candy) rescue Princess Vespa (Zuniga) of Druidia and her droid, Dot Matrix (Yarnell, voiced by Rivers), from being captured by the Spaceballs, led by President Skroob (Brooks), who wants to use Vespa as ransom to obtain Druidia's air for their own planet. However, the heroes get stranded on a desert moon, where they encounter the wise Yogurt (also Brooks), who teaches Starr about the metaphysical power known as "the Schwartz". Meanwhile, Spaceball commanders Dark Helmet (Moranis) and Colonel Sandurz (Wyner) lead the search for them but are hindered by their own incompetence.

The film was released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) on June 24, 1987. A sequel is in the early stages of development as of June 2024.

Plot

Planet Spaceball, led by the incompetent President Skroob, has squandered all of its fresh air. Skroob plans to steal the atmosphere from the neighboring planet of Druidia by forcing its ruler King Roland to give him the code to the shield surrounding it. Meanwhile, Roland's daughter Princess Vespa flees Druidia in order to avoid an arranged marriage to the narcoleptic Prince Valium. The ship Spaceball One, commanded by Colonel Sandurz and carrying Skroob's enforcer Dark Helmet, is dispatched to kidnap Vespa and her droid servant Dot Matrix.

Mercenary Lone Starr and his "Mawg" (half man, half dog) companion Barf, in their Winnebago spaceship Eagle 5, are contacted by crime boss Pizza the Hutt and his robotic minion Vinny to retrieve the money they owe them "or else Pizza is gonna send out for you". Roland contacts Lone Starr and offers them a high reward if they bring Vespa and Dot back to Druidia. The pair retrieve Vespa and Dot and escape via light speed before they can be brought aboard Spaceball One. Dark Helmet and a reluctant Sandurz use "Ludicrous Speed", but heavily overshoot the group when they try to follow. Eagle 5 runs out of fuel and Lone Starr is forced to crash-land on a desert moon.

The four escapees travel on foot for a while, but ultimately pass out in the relentless heat. They are found by the Dink-Dinks, a group of diminutive aliens in sparkly robes, and taken to the hidden cave of the sage Yogurt. He advertises the film's fictitious tie-in merchandise, then begins to instruct Lone Starr in the ways of a mysterious power known as the Schwartz (which Helmet can also control). Lone Starr and Vespa develop romantic feelings for each other, despite Vespa's insistence that she can only marry a prince, and Lone Starr shows Yogurt a medallion bearing an indecipherable message that was found with him when he was abandoned as a baby.

The Spaceballs break the fourth wall by going through a VHS copy of the film to locate the Eagle 5's whereabouts. Helmet disguises himself as Roland to lure Vespa and Dot out of the cave. As Lone Starr and Barf prepare to chase Helmet, Yogurt gives Lone Starr a ring that he can use to channel the Schwartz.

Helmet extorts the air shield code from Roland by threatening to have a plastic surgeon reverse Vespa's nose job, then imprisons her and Dot. Lone Starr and Barf infiltrate the prison and break them out, and all four escape in Eagle 5 while leaving their stunt doubles to be captured. Spaceball One transforms itself into a giant maid (Mega-Maid), opens the shield, and uses a vacuum cleaner (vacuum of space) to suck the air from Druidia. Lone Starr taps into the Schwartz to reverse the flow and return the air (saving Roland and the Druidians), then pilots Eagle 5 into the head of Mega-Maid.

Lone Starr finds a self-destruct button, but Helmet interrupts and they engage in a duel using lightsaber-like weapons that extend from their Schwartz rings. Helmet steals Lone Starr's ring and drops it through a floor grate, but Lone Starr gets a telepathic message from Yogurt telling him that the power lies within him instead of the ring. As Helmet prepares to attack, Lone Starr levitates a mirror and reflects Helmet's blast, knocking him into the self-destruct button. Lone Starr returns to Eagle 5 and pilots it to safety; Skroob, Helmet and Sandurz fail to reach any escape pods in time and discover the "cancellation button" is out of order as Mega-Maid explodes.

Lone Starr and Barf discover that Pizza the Hutt had locked himself in a limousine and ate himself to death, absolving them of the debt. The duo return Vespa and Dot to Roland, but take only enough money to cover their expenses. The remnants of the Mega-Maid crash-land on a nearby planet populated by intelligent apes, who express dismay at the stranded Spaceballs.

After being scared by a singing xenomorph at a diner, Lone Starr and Barf find a final message from Yogurt hidden in a fortune cookie, telling them that Lone Starr's medallion means he is a prince and can thus marry Vespa. The two return to Druidia just in time to stop her wedding to Valium, and Lone Starr announces his royal lineage and marries Vespa. The film ends with them riding off in Eagle 5 and a message to the audience stating, "May the Schwartz Be With You".

Cast

  • Bill Pullman as Lone Starr, a mercenary who travels the galaxy in his flying 1986 Winnebago Chieftain 33, Eagle 5. He is a parody of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo.
  • John Candy as Barf, Lone Starr's "mawg" (half-man, half-dog) sidekick. He is a parody of Chewbacca.
  • Daphne Zuniga as Princess Vespa, the spoiled princess of Planet Druidia. She is a parody of Princess Leia.
  • Joan Rivers as the voice of Dot Matrix, Princess Vespa's droid of honor and guardian. She is a parody of C-3PO.
  • Rick Moranis as Lord Dark Helmet, the Spaceballs' short-statured, bratty, and childish chief enforcer, who can wield the "down-side" of the Schwartz. He is a parody of Darth Vader.
  • Mel Brooks as:
    • President Skroob, the incompetent leader of Planet Spaceball. His name "Skroob" is an anagram of "Brooks".
    • Yogurt, the wise and powerful keeper of the "up-side" of the Schwartz. He is a parody of Yoda.
  • George Wyner as Colonel Sandurz, the commander of Spaceball One. His name is a reference to Colonel Sanders.
  • Dick Van Patten as King Roland, the ruler of Planet Druidia and Princess Vespa's father.
  • Michael Winslow as a radar technician on Spaceball One who can re-enact the radar's sounds.
  • Ronny Graham as the minister.
  • Jim J. Bullock as Prince Valium, a narcoleptic prince.
  • Leslie Bevis as Commanderette Zircon, a minion of President Skroob on Planet Spaceball.
  • Sandy Helberg as Dr. Irving Schlotkin, a plastic surgeon.
  • Dom DeLuise as the voice of Pizza the Hutt, a crime boss described as being half-man and half-pizza. He is a parody of Jabba the Hutt and his name is a reference to Pizza Hut.
    • Richard Karron (original takes) and Rick Lazzarini (reshoots and final takes) portrayed Pizza's on-screen presence. Lazzarini spoke Pizza's lines for the character's on-camera scenes with DeLuise's voice dubbed in later.
  • Rudy De Luca as Vinnie, Pizza's robotic subordinate. He is a parody of the 1980s TV personality Max Headroom.
  • Rhonda Shear as a woman in the diner.
  • Jeff MacGregor as Snotty, a minion of President Skroob on Planet Spaceball based on Scotty from Star Trek.

John Hurt makes a cameo appearance credited as himself, parodying his character Gilbert Kane's death in the film Alien (1979). Various actors and comedians appear in unnamed roles, with Sal Viscuso, Michael Pniewski, Stephen Tobolowsky, Robert Prescott, Tom Dreesen, Rick Ducommun, Rob Paulsen (who was uncredited), Tommy Swerdlow, and Tim Russ all appearing as soldiers of Dark Helmet. Additional unnamed appearances include Dey Young as a waitress, Jack Riley as a newsman covering the news about Pizza the Hutt's death, Ken Olfson as the head usher, and Bryan O'Byrne as an organist. Brenda Strong appears as Gretchen, Dr. Schlotkin's nurse, alongside Johnny Silver as Arnold, Dr. Schlotkin's caddy. Denise and Dian Gallup appear as Charlene and Marlene, two twin girls in Spaceball City who President Skroob keeps mixing up the names for. Ed Gale, Felix Silla, Tony Cox, Antonio Hoyos, Arturo Gil, and John Kennedy Hayden appear as the Dinks (based on the Jawas) while their uncredited voices are provided by Corey Burton, Phil Hartman, Tress MacNeille, John Paragon, and Rob Paulsen.

Production

A helmet from the film at a convention in Stockholm

When Brooks developed Spaceballs, he wanted his parody to be as close to the original as possible. Even though the Yogurt character (Mel Brooks) mentions merchandising in the film, Brooks's deal with George Lucas on parodying Star Wars was that no Spaceballs action figures be made. According to Brooks, " said, 'Your are going to look like mine.' I said OK." However, this agreement inspired Brooks to write Yogurt's "Merchandising" scene and include multiple Spaceballs-branded products at other points in the film, such as placemats and toilet paper. While no mass produced Spaceballs merchandise was ever created, Max Brooks revealed in 2023 that he is in possession of the Yogurt doll used in the merchandise scene.

Brooks also had Lucas' company handle some post-production, saying, "I was playing ball with the people who could have said no." Lucas later sent Brooks a note saying how much he loved the film, including its story structure, and that he "was afraid would bust something from laughing". According to Rick Moranis, "In the original script, the description of was that the whole costume was one gigantic helmet. Then it got scaled back to just an exaggerated version of the Darth Vader helmet."

The bulk of the film's visual effects were executed by Apogee Inc., which was founded by former Industrial Light & Magic employee John Dykstra.

Pullman got the part of Lone Starr when Brooks and his wife Anne Bancroft saw him in a play—he had never seen Star Wars prior to filming. Brooks had been unsuccessfully trying to sign on big-name actors such as Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks for the film. Pullman said,

I think was hurt that they didn't take him up on it ... but then it attract two of the big comics at that time: John Candy and Rick Moranis. Once that was secured, then he said, "Heck, I'll get somebody nobody knows!" And I got a chance to do it.

Zuniga initially found Brooks' film parodies "too crass and not too funny", but after working with Brooks, she said, "I have this image of Mel as totally wacko and out to lunch. And he is. But he's also really perceptive, real sensitive in ways that make actors respond."

Music

An official soundtrack was released on Atlantic Records on LP, CD, and cassette, featuring many of the songs heard in the film, as well as three score cues by frequent Brooks collaborator John Morris. The track list is as follows:

  1. "Spaceballs Main Title Theme" – John Morris
  2. "My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own" – Jeffrey Osborne and Kim Carnes; the song was made into a hit in 1990 by Sally Moore (U.S. AC #42).
  3. "Heartstrings" – Berlin
  4. "Spaceballs Love Theme" (Instrumental) – John Morris
  5. "The Winnebago Crashes"/"The Spaceballs Build Mega-Maid" – John Morris
  6. "Spaceballs" – The Spinners
  7. "Hot Together" – The Pointer Sisters
  8. "Good Enough" – Van Halen
  9. "Wanna Be Loved by You" – Ladyfire

"Raise Your Hands" by Bon Jovi is also used prominently in the film.

In the film the Dinks (based on Jawas) perform the 1914 marching song "Colonel Bogey March", though they sing "Dink dink, dink dink dink dink dink dink... Dink dink" rather than whistle, parodying the scene from The Bridge on the River Kwai.

In 2006, La-La Land Records released Spaceballs – The 19th Anniversary Edition CD of the film's score, with bonus tracks of alternate takes and tracks not used in the film.

Reception and legacy

Box office

The film had an estimated $22.7 million budget, and ultimately grossed $38,119,483 during its run in the United States, taking in $6,613,837 on its opening weekend, finishing behind Dragnet.

Critical reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes reports that 52% of 104 critics have given positive reviews and an average rating of 5.9/10. The site's consensus reads; "There's fine spoofery and amusing characters in Spaceballs, though it's a far cry from Mel Brooks' peak era." On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 46 out of 100, based on 14 reviews. Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B−" on an A+ to F scale.

At the time of the film's release, Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film 2.5 stars out of 4, and remarked "I enjoyed a lot of the movie, but I kept thinking I was at a revival ... it should have been made several years ago, before our appetite for Star Wars satires had been completely exhausted." Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, saying that there were "just enough funny visual gags to recommend this wildly uneven film". Variety said that the film was a misguided parody and not very funny.

The film won Worst Picture at the 1987 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards.

Impact

The film gained a cult following in the following years.

Tesla Motors has used the film's starship speeds (Light Speed, Ridiculous Speed, Ludicrous Speed, Plaid Speed) as inspiration for naming their acceleration modes. In homage to Spaceballs, Tesla has Ludicrous Mode for acceleration beyond its Insane Mode, and Plaid Mode, overtop Ludicrous.

A clip from the film, alongside clips of other Star Wars parody works, was used in a "special look" internet video used to promote Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in order to show the cultural impact of Star Wars.

Home media

Spaceballs was first made available on VHS and LaserDisc in February 1988; they were re-released in the late 1990s. The VHS edition was issued twice; the latter edition was presented in widescreen. Meanwhile, the laserdisc also gained a commentary track with Brooks; this was transferred over to the DVD and Blu-ray releases. The film was first released on DVD on April 25, 2000. This version also contained "the making of..." documentary and a collectible "making-of" booklet. The film was then released in the "Collectors Edition" on May 3, 2005. This edition contained more extras including the documentary and the video conversation about the making of the film with Brooks and Thomas Meehan. On August 7, 2012, the "25th Anniversary Edition" was released on Blu-ray containing many of the same bonus features as the 2005 DVD release with the addition of a new featurette. An Ultra HD Blu-ray edition of the film was released on April 12, 2021 by Kino Lorber, with all of the special features from previous home video releases included.

In other media

  • A novelization for the film was released on June 1, 1987, written by R. L. Stine under the pen name Jovial Bob Stine, along with Mel Brooks, Thomas Meehan, and Ronny Graham.
  • Spaceballs was developed into an animated television show which debuted in September 2008 as Spaceballs: The Animated Series on G4 (US) and Super Channel (Canada).
  • In the episode Robot Chicken: Star Wars of the American adult sketch comedy television series Robot Chicken the segment George Lucas At The Convention features a Star Wars fan wearing a Barf costume from Spaceballs.
  • Moranis vocally reprised his role as Dark Helmet in the episode "Spaceballs" of the American sitcom The Goldbergs.

Props

A 1⁄12-scale model of the Winnebago, Eagle 5, was auctioned on December 11, 2018. The model was created by film special effects designer Grant McCune, who also created models for Star Wars and Star Trek. The model makes an appearance early in the film with the introduction of Barf and Lone Starr. The model, along with other special effects artifacts from then-current films such as Masters of the Universe and Jaws: The Revenge, was displayed at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry in the summer of 1988.

Sequel

Moranis claimed in a 2013 interview that he and Brooks had discussed a potential sequel, with Moranis pitching the title Spaceballs III: The Search for Spaceballs II. However, he and Brooks were unable to structure a deal that would allow the project to move forward. In February 2015, Brooks said that he would like to make a sequel to be released after the next Star Wars film and hoped that Moranis would reprise his role. This proposed film, Brooks said, may be called Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money. However, in February 2020, Bill Pullman said during an interview with Daily Blast Live, "It's up to Mel. Ask him if he has too much money and that's why he doesn't do it."

In June 2024, it was announced that a sequel is in the early stages of development at Amazon MGM Studios with Josh Gad attached to star and co-produce the film alongside Brooks. Josh Greenbaum is attached to direct the film with a script from Benji Samit, Dan Hernandez, and Gad.

Notes

  1. Multiple references:

References

  1. "Spaceballs (12)". British Board of Film Classification. July 14, 1987. Archived from the original on February 23, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2016.
  2. "Spaceballs (1987) - Financial Information". The Numbers. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  3. "Spaceballs (1987)". Box Office Mojo. August 18, 1987. Archived from the original on July 14, 2019. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  4. "Snotty". FictionalPersona. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  5. Matloff, Jason (November 10, 2011). "John Hurt". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on May 17, 2018. Retrieved May 16, 2018.
  6. Brooks, Mel (director) (1987). Spaceballs (Motion picture). Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
  7. Carone, Patrick (February 6, 2013). "Interview: Icon Mel Brooks". Archived from the original on February 23, 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
  8. ^ Heisler, Steve (December 13, 2012). "Mel Brooks on how to play Hitler, and how he almost died making Spaceballs". The A.V. Club. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
  9. "George Lucas Talk Show Podcast". YouTube. November 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  10. Trzcinski, Matthew (June 17, 2020). "How George Lucas Reacted to the 'Star Wars' Parody 'Spaceballs'". Showbiz Cheat Sheet. Archived from the original on June 18, 2020. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  11. "Rick Moranis Interview Expanded: Dirty Jokes, Full-Body 'Spaceballs' Helmet and Slow-Motion 'Horrors'". The Hollywood Reporter. October 8, 2015.
  12. "Spaceballs (1987) - "Visual Effects by" credits". IMDb. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  13. Parker, Ryan (June 23, 2017). "Spaceballs at 30: Bill Pullman Says Crew Worried Blue Screen Would Make Them Go Blind". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 21, 2020. Retrieved February 19, 2020.
  14. Pearson, Ben (January 13, 2011). "Q&A with Actor Bill Pullman". geektyrant.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
  15. "Spaceballs". Turner Classic Movies. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2014.
  16. Whitburn, Joel (1993). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961–1993. Record Research. p. __.
  17. The Big Screen Comedies of Mel Brooks. McFarland. 2015. p. 154.
  18. "Order of songs for Thunder Over Louisville". Courier Journal. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  19. "Spaceballs" (Press release). Lalalandrecords.com. Archived from the original on September 7, 2011. Retrieved August 12, 2011.
  20. "Spaceballs". boxofficemojo.com. 2006. Archived from the original on July 14, 2019. Retrieved February 12, 2010.
  21. ^ Pullman, Bill (July 25, 2017). "Bill Pullman: The First Time a Fellow Actor Had My Back". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 3, 2024. Critics were mixed about the movie at the time, but it has become a cult classic.
  22. ^ Farley, Lloyd (January 1, 2023). "In the Galaxy of Parody Movies, 'Spaceballs' Reigns Supreme". Collider. Retrieved July 3, 2024. While Spaceballs was met with mixed reviews upon release, the years since have seen a deeper appreciation of the film, above and beyond its cult classic status.
  23. "Spaceballs Movie Reviews, Pictures". Rotten Tomatoes. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on April 27, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
  24. "Spaceballs (1987): Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on February 10, 2010. Retrieved May 16, 2009.
  25. "Find CinemaScore" (Type "Spaceballs" in the search box). CinemaScore. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  26. Ebert, Roger (June 24, 1987). "Spaceballs". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
  27. Siskel, Gene (June 26, 1987). "Flick of Week: Kubrick's 'Jacket' full of raw irony". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  28. "Spaceballs". Variety. December 31, 1985.
  29. "Past Winners Database". The Envelope at LA Times. Archived from the original on August 15, 2007. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  30. ^ Grobar, Matt (June 18, 2024). "Josh Gad, Mel Brooks & Josh Greenbaum Teaming For 'Spaceballs' Sequel At Amazon MGM". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
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