A quiet stretch of sand at Turimetta Beach in Warriewood has become the unlikely backdrop for one of Hollywood’s most anticipated comedies, as cameras roll for “Spaceballs 2” — the sequel to the 1987 cult classic.
Locals awoke to the sight of film trucks, lights, and crews lining Narrabeen Park Parade, transforming the Northern Beaches into an intergalactic movie set.
Filming and community buzz
Production for “Spaceballs 2” — an Amazon MGM Studios project — began late September, drawing attention across the Northern Beaches community. While most of the filming has been kept under wraps, extras in light-grey costumes and film crews were seen hauling equipment down to the shoreline.
The movie’s “unit base” has been established at Pittwater Rugby Park, with caravans, trucks, and mobile cabins filling the grounds. Reports say filming will continue for several months, with interior scenes to be shot at Disney Studios in Moore Park.
Cast and crew return
Fans of the original film will recognise familiar faces returning to the galaxy. Comedy veteran Rick Moranis, now 72, has come out of retirement to reprise his role as the bumbling villain Dark Helmet. He joins co-stars Bill Pullman and Daphne Zuniga, alongside new cast members Josh Gad, Lewis Pullman, and Keke Palmer.
Gad, who co-wrote the sequel, confirmed in an interview with the Toronto International Film Festival that about half of the film would be shot in Australia, with key scenes filmed on Sydney’s coastline.
Comedy legend Mel Brooks, who created and directed the original Spaceballs, is also reportedly involved in the sequel. While his role has not been publicly confirmed, sources close to the production suggest Brooks may appear briefly on screen and has contributed creatively to the script.
Local reaction
Residents of Warriewood and surrounding suburbs say the filming has brought a burst of excitement to the community. Turimetta Beach, known for its steep cliffs and quiet ambience, has rarely hosted major film productions. The sight of trailers, police officers managing the crowd, and private security patrolling the area has drawn curiosity from beachgoers. According to local media, nearby streets have been busier than usual, as people stop by hoping to catch a glimpse of the production.
From parody to production
The original Spaceballs spoofed Star Wars and other science-fiction blockbusters, featuring Moranis as Dark Helmet and Pullman as space pilot Lone Starr. With its offbeat humour and absurd characters, the 1987 film became a cult favourite worldwide. The new sequel is expected to follow the same tongue-in-cheek formula, exploring what became of Planet Druidia, Dark Helmet, and the mysterious “Schwartz.”
According to IMDb, Spaceballs 2 is slated for release in 2027. For now, locals at Warriewood can claim a small but proud role in Hollywood history — as the Northern Beaches become home to a galaxy not so far away.
Published 6-Oct-2025
