It has been a considerable amount of time since Spaceballs initially parodied Star Wars. However, a sequel to Mel Brooks’ science fiction satire has a plethora of fresh material to draw upon. During a reissued episode of Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa, Josh Gad shared updates on the Spaceballs sequel he is currently working on. This process involved explaining recent Star Wars films to the 98-year-old Brooks. When Spaceballs premiered in theaters in 1987, Brooks had taken aim at George Lucas’ original Star Wars trilogy, which had just wrapped up a few years prior. Since that time, there have been eight more Star Wars movies — including prequel trilogies, sequels, and standalone films — as well as various television shows. So, when Gad presented his ideas for a sequel to Brooks, there was a need for extensive explanation.
“Mel is highly engaged. I have a funny anecdote to share that I haven’t mentioned yet,” Gad informed Ripa. “When we were pitching him the initial concept for the film, he said, ‘I want you to elaborate because I don’t know much about the new Star Wars films.’ And I said, ‘sure thing.'” Gad continued, “I pitched for 40 minutes. It was like going to battle in front of one person. I was sweating, diving into every detail, line, comedic moment, reveal, and connecting it all to specific Star Wars elements. After all that, there was silence, and he finally said, ‘wow, Josh, it seems like you’re right on top of things!’ That was the best compliment I could have received, even though Mel had no context. He just trusted everything I had to say.”
Gad, along with Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, penned the Spaceballs sequel script. He mentioned to Ripa that the movie serves as “a tribute to not only Spaceballs but to everything Mel Brooks stands for,” while keeping further details under wraps to avoid getting “shot by Amazon Space Force.” From this description, one could speculate that the film might mock the “legacy sequel” style introduced by 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Given that original cast members John Candy and Joan Rivers have passed away, a Spaceballs sequel would have to get creative with casting, possibly even parodying Carrie Fisher’s posthumous appearance in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Gad shared with Forbes in November that he and his colleagues had finished the script draft, and the feedback so far has been outstanding.
“The experience of collaborating with Mel Brooks on this project has been a career highlight for me,” he expressed to the publication. If the Spaceballs sequel materializes, it won’t be the first continuation of a cherished Brooks venture in recent years. In 2023, Hulu debuted History of the World: Part II as a sketch comedy miniseries. Conceived by Nick Kroll, Wanda Sykes, and Ike Barinholt
“Incredibly astute social commentary, but he was never preachy,” Kroll told Entertainment Weekly in 2023. “He was always pretty silly. And it’s always funny first, and we really tried to take that ethos and bring it with us in the show…that was always kind of the North Star.”
Kroll’s remarks shed light on the fine balance maintained in delivering social commentary through humor. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Kroll emphasized the importance of humor as the primary vehicle for their message, ensuring that the audience is entertained first and foremost. This approach reflects a conscious effort to engage viewers through laughter while subtly weaving in insightful observations about society.
The comedian’s ability to blend astute social commentary with a lighthearted tone is evident in his work, where he eschews a preachy demeanor in favor of a more playful and approachable style. By prioritizing humor and wit, Kroll ensures that his message resonates with a broader audience, making the content more accessible and engaging.
Kroll’s commitment to maintaining a balance between humor and social commentary is a central theme that permeates his creative process. According to him, the guiding principle behind his work is to always prioritize comedic elements while infusing them with incisive observations about society. This dual approach not only entertains but also encourages viewers to reflect on the underlying messages embedded in the humor.
Furthermore, Kroll’s emphasis on avoiding a preachy tone underscores his intention to foster a light-hearted and enjoyable viewing experience. By steering clear of didacticism, he allows the audience to engage with the material freely, drawing their own conclusions from the comedic narrative presented. This freedom of interpretation enhances the overall impact of the social commentary, as viewers are more likely to internalize and reflect on the underlying themes when approached in a non-dogmatic manner.
The success of Kroll’s approach is evident in the positive reception his work has received, with audiences and critics alike praising his ability to deliver insightful social commentary without sacrificing the entertainment value of his content. By adhering to the principle of prioritizing humor while incorporating meaningful observations, Kroll has carved out a niche for himself as a comedian who is not only funny but also intellectually stimulating.
Listeners can delve deeper into Kroll’s creative process and philosophy by tuning in to the full discussion on Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa. The interview provides a behind-the-scenes look at Kroll’s comedic approach and sheds light on the thought process behind his unique brand of humor. For fans and newcomers alike, this conversation offers valuable insights into the mind of a comedian who seamlessly blends comedy and social commentary to create a truly engaging viewing experience.
For more on Kroll’s insights and upcoming projects, readers are encouraged to read the original article on Entertainment Weekly. The piece delves further into Kroll’s comedic style and sheds light on the impact of his work in the entertainment industry. With a focus on humor, social commentary, and authenticity, Kroll continues
