Mel Brooks has built a reputation for making fun of popular culture in a way that’s frequently funny. He’s well-known for mocking the Western genre in “Blazing Saddles” and his offbeat take on classic horror movies, “Young Frankenstein”. While not his most acclaimed film, Mel Brooks’ 1987 sci-fi parody, “Spaceballs”, remains one of his most approachable works to this day. With the movie making headlines again due to a sequel announcement, it seems fitting to revisit one of its most iconic scenes and its surprising backstory.
We’d like to share an interesting tale about the comedic element in the movie Spaceballs, particularly the merchandising joke. This scene has an intriguing backstory, and we can’t wait to tell you all about its creation!
The Merchandising Sequence in Spaceballs Came About After a Conversation With George Lucas
As a film critic, in my personal perspective, Mel Brooks’ 2021 memoir titled “My Remarkable Life in Show Business” sheds light on an intriguing chapter – the controversial merchandising sequence from his iconic movie, “Spaceballs.” In this revealing account, he shares behind-the-scenes details about his attempts to maintain a harmonious relationship with George Lucas during the creation of the spoof that playfully mocks the beloved “Star Wars” series. An excerpt from the book, published by Lit Hub, offers insights into these goodwill efforts designed to keep Lucas unsurprised and amused by the film’s gentle ribbing.
As a movie enthusiast, I shared with Mel Brooks that I had watched both “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein,” and he was one of my favorites. He appreciated the script, but made it clear that there wouldn’t be any Spaceballs action figures. He explained that they would resemble Star Wars figures, which wouldn’t sit well with his legal team and studio’s business department. However, he gave me the green light to create my humorous Star Wars parody, on the condition that we wouldn’t produce any action figures for sale.
Brooks kept his promise by not selling action figures as agreed. Still, he penned (together with co-writers Ronny Graham and Thomas Meehan) a humorous scene where the main villain, Dark Helmet played by Rick Moranis, handles action figures. Also, it’s possible that his chat with Lucas sparked Brooks to create that memorable merchandising scene.
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As a diehard movie buff, I found myself immersed in a captivating scene where our Spaceballs heroes – Lone Starr (Bill Pullman), Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga), Dot Matrix (Joan Rivers), and the lovable Barf (John Candy) – were miraculously saved from the scorching desert by the mystical Dink-Dinks. They were then escorted to the legendary Yogurt (Mel Brooks). In his wise presence, Lone Starr learned the secrets of wielding the enigmatic Schwartz, a power reminiscent of the Force. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, there was even a delightful sprinkle of timeless product placement!
In the memorable scene, Yogurt exclaims, “Merchandising, merchandising!” He’s referring to the lucrative aspect of the movie. It’s all about Spaceballs merchandise! Spaceballs t-shirts, Spaceballs coloring books, Spaceballs lunchboxes, Spaceballs breakfast cereal, even a Spaceballs flame-thrower! The kids are really into it.
In a charming manner, this particular scene subtly highlights the abundance of authorized merchandise that flooded the market after the incredible triumph of the initial Star Wars trilogy. Regrettably, I never had the opportunity to buy any of these items myself. However, for fans, this scene has remained memorable even after many years have passed.
Besides satirizing movies from the original Star Wars trilogy, “Spaceballs” additionally mocks “Alien” and “Star Trek.” The story revolves around Lone Starr, a rogue space pilot, and his companion Barf, who is part man, part dog (played by John Candy). They embark on a mission to save Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) from the clutches of the villainous Dark Helmet.
Each primary character shares noticeable resemblances with particular characters from the Star Wars universe. For instance, Lone Starr mirrors Han Solo, Barf echoes Chewbacca, Princess Vespa hints at Princess Leia, Dark Helmet satirizes Darth Vader, Dot Matrix is a witty take on C-3PO, and Yogurt embodies the spirit of Yoda.
As a movie connoisseur, I can’t help but marvel at Mel Brooks’ unparalleled comic genius. Who else could transform a stern warning about copyright infringement from George Lucas into an enduringly hilarious masterpiece, as he did with Spaceballs, still sparking laughter nearly four decades later?
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2025-06-18 20:17