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Bill Pullman’s Cult Classic ’80s Sci-Fi Movie Finally Returns To HBO Max At The Perfect Time

December 26, 2025

The sci-fi cult classic Spaceballs is coming back to streaming at the perfect time. Mel Brooks’ spoof was released in 1987, 10 years after the original Star Wars premiered in theaters and four years after the release of Return of the Jedi. Starring Brooks, Bill Pullman, Rick Moranis, Daphne Zuniga, John Candy, and George Wyner, Spaceballs is a ruthless parody of Star Wars and other famous sci-fi-fantasy franchises.

Spaceballs primarily follows Lone Starr (Pullman), a mercenary who embarks on a mission to rescue Princess Vespa (Zuniga) from the evil Spaceballs and learn to harness the power of “the Schwartz.” While modestly successful at the time of its release, Spaceballs became a beloved property later with the rise of its cult following, as Star Wars’ own legacy continued to grow.

Custom Image by Yailin Chacon.

Warner Bros. Discovery has confirmed that Spaceballs will again be available to stream on HBO Max from January 1, 2026. Some major 2025 movies are debuting on HBO next month, including The Smashing Machine and If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, alongside The Pitt season 2 and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 1. Spaceballs is currently available through AMC+.

Spaceballs was previously on HBO Max and surged on the streaming platform this summer when Spaceballs 2 was announced, slated for a theatrical release in 2027. Spaceballs 2‘s announcement video even makes fun of the concept of legacy sequels, staying true to the spirit of the first movie. Ahead of the sequel, more and more people may be watching or rewatching this comedy.

Spaceballs 2 will see the return of Pullman, Zuniga, Brooks, Wyner, and Moranis (coming out of semi-retirement), joining new cast members Josh Gad, Keke Palmer, Lewis Pullman (Bill Pullman’s son), and Anthony Carrigan. Brooks is passing the director’s baton to Josh Greenbaum, while Gad, Benji Samit, and Dan Hernandez are penning the script.

Based on the trailer and the first image of the Spaceballs 2 cast (which alludes to the famous first image of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens cast from a decade earlier), the budding franchise is going to be cleverer than ever in how it makes fun of the properties that inspired it. Ironically, the original Star Wars movie will also be returning to theaters in 2027.

Until these sequels and re-releases, fans can enjoy Spaceballs on HBO Max. The Star Wars saga in its entirety is available to stream through Disney+. We should be seeing more news about Spaceballs 2 next year, assuming it is on schedule for its 2027 release, which may include more references to the past of this particular genre.