Mel Brooks to Write & Direct “Spaceballs II” [VIDEO]

After nearly four decades, the Schwartz is awakening once again. Amazon MGM Studios has officially greenlit “Spaceballs II,” a sequel to the beloved 1987 “Star Wars” parody, slated for a 2027 release.

The legendary Mel Brooks, who will celebrate his 99th birthday on June 28, is set to co-write and produce the film. In a hilarious announcement video that parodies the iconic “Star Wars” opening crawl, Brooks jokes, “After 40 years, we asked, ‘what do the fans want?’ But instead, we’re making this movie.”

The film is being directed by Josh Greenbaum, who is known for the critically acclaimed comedy “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” and the Will Ferrell-led documentary “Will & Harper.” With the passing of the original film’s co-writers, Thomas Meehan and Ronny Graham, Josh Gad has been brought on to co-write the script alongside Brooks.

Fans can rejoice as several original cast members are set to return. Brooks will reprise his role as the wise and merchandising-obsessed Yogurt. Bill Pullman will once again take the pilot’s seat as the roguish Lone Starr. In a move that has thrilled fans, Rick Moranis is officially ending his nearly 30-year hiatus from live-action acting to return as the comically inept Dark Helmet. The new cast will also feature some fresh faces with Lewis Pullman (Bill Pullman’s son), Josh Gad, and Keke Palmer all set to star in the film.

The film’s official logline is as wonderfully convoluted as one would expect from the “Spaceballs” universe: “A Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film.”

While the return of so many beloved characters is a cause for celebration, the film will also be a tribute to the original cast members who have since passed away. The sequel will undoubtedly feel the absence of the comedic talents of John Candy, who played Barf, died on March 4, 1994; Dick Van Patten, who played King Roland, died on June 23, 2015; and Joan Rivers, who voiced the robot, Dot Matrix, died on September 4, 2014.

For those who need a refresher on the absurdity of the original, a compilation of some of the film’s most iconic moments can be seen in the video below. From combing the desert to going to plaid, these are the moments that have made “Spaceballs” a timeless classic.