'80s Icon Rick Moranis, Who Left Hollywood, Thrills with Rare Public Appearance 39 Years After Hit Film

Say what you want about the all-female comeback cast of Ghostbusters, but one of the most recognizable actors from the franchise is set to be back on the big screen.

As celebrities pop up left and right like a whack-a-mole game around San Diego Comic-Con, the most shocking to appear was Rick Moranis.

Having not made a live-action film in nearly 30 years, the famous face of the ’80s with cult-favorite hits like Spaceballs and box office booms like Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, is back in the spotlight, clearing the air that he “really wasn’t retired” and why he decided that now is the time in his 70s for an encore.

Related: Johnny Depp, Dressed In Character, Shocks Fans with Unannounced Comic-Con Appearance

Rick Moranis is Back: From Father of the Century to Long-Awaited Sequel

One look at Rick Moranis and it’s hard not to think of some of your favorite comedy classics.

Unfortunately, he took a hiatus from acting due to his wife Ann Belsky passing away from breast cancer in the early ’90s, where he traded his acting chops for something more personal: being there for his children instead of a Hollywood film set.

It’s been quite some time since fans have seen him take on a new live-action role, as he’s primarily lent his voice to animated projects since reprising his mad-scientist role in Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves.

But now it’s an entirely different sequel drawing him back: Spaceballs: The New One.

Related: Dennis Quaid’s ‘Iconic’ Brother Is Slated for Rare Public Appearance

Fans of the off-the-wall ’80sStar Wars spoof knew there was a Spaceballs showcase this year’s Comic-Con, but given how much of a recluse Moranis has been over the years, expectations were tempered at best.

View this post on Instagram

As the introduction wound down, he made a fashionably late entrance after his fellow castmates, earning a standing ovation before answering questions during the panel — a clear sign he’s all in on returning to the limelight.

When asked about the big decision to return to a major film, he answered, “It just felt like this is it. It’s time. And yes, I said yes, and it is the best decision I’ve ever made.” He also teased that he’d been considering the sequel as far back as 1989.

He added that it did feel “strange” donning his signature oversized helmet again, but he was all smiles onstage — and still clearly the biggest star despite being away for three decades.