Nearly a decade ago, Lewis Pullman embarked on his acting journey by sharing the screen with his father, Bill Pullman, in the western film, "The Ballad of Lefty Brown." Since then, he has carved out a niche for himself, featuring in high-octane blockbusters like "Top Gun: Maverick" and Marvel Studios' upcoming "The Thunderbolts," while also garnering an Emmy nomination for his role in "Lessons in Chemistry." Now, he stands poised to reunite with his father on the silver screen, in negotiations to star in the anticipated sequel to "Spaceballs."
In the original 1987 Mel Brooks-directed film, the senior Pullman played Lone Starr, a character reminiscent of Han Solo. The movie, fondly remembered for its playful homages to "Star Wars" and other sci-fi classics ranging from "Star Trek" to "2001: A Space Odyssey," is set to receive a sequel backed by Amazon MGM Studios, slated for a theatrical release in 2027. The studio has remained tight-lipped regarding Pullman's involvement in the cast.
Josh Greenbaum will helm the sequel from a script penned by Benji Samit, Dan Hernandez, and Josh Gad, the latter of whom will also star alongside Keke Palmer. Brooks reprises his role as Yogurt, a character bearing a striking resemblance to Yoda. Rick Moranis and Daphne Zuniga are also expected to return to their respective roles. According to sources close to The Hollywood Reporter, Lewis Pullman will portray Starburst, the son of Queen Vespa (Zuniga) and Lone Starr (Bill Pullman). Franchise newcomer Keke Palmer will essay the character of Destiny, with Gad and Pullman forming the trio of leads.
Plot details remain as elusive as a mirage in the desert, but Amazon has kindly described the project thus: "While the title, plot specifics, and additional cast members are being kept under wraps, the film has been described by those privy to the script as 'A Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two,' albeit with reboot elements and franchise expansion."
Imagine's Brian Grazer and Jeb Brody are producing alongside Gad, Brooks, and Greenbaum. Kevin Slater, Adam Merims, Benji Samit, and Dan Hernandez will serve as executive producers.
For years, Pullman harbored a desire for his acting career to be entirely divorced from his father's shadow. However, his philosophy has undergone a transformation in recent times. As he confided to THR last month, "For a considerable period, I was determined to forge my own path, stubbornly resistant to any association. I'm glad I overcame that mindset because it's now an incredible privilege to share diverse experiences with my dad and seek his counsel."
