The reclusive actor is finally in the spotlight again.
It’s been more than 20 years since Rick Moranis last appeared in a movie, and even then it was a direct-to-video sequel to Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. In the decades since, the beloved comedic talent has done voice work in animated features, reprised his most popular SCTV character for an anniversary special, and recorded albums.
He’s never been retired, just less in the public eye than he’d been during his peak years. His refusal to make a cameo in Paul Feig’s Ghostbusters was particularly notable, however.
And that missed opportunity is even more surprising now that Moranis has gone and done a cameo for the ABC sitcom The Goldbergs. The actor reprised his role as the Spaceballs villain Dark Helmet for the series, albeit in voice only. The person in the costume on screen is apparently not Moranis, though he never lifts his mask to show for sure.
Fans were bewildered by the random choice to take part in a nostalgic network program, especially since Moranis seemed to be absent from Martin Scorsese‘s upcoming SCTV reunion special for Netflix. Well, now he’s actually confirmed to be participating in that special, so it’s all good.
Maybe Moranis is even ready to make a full return to the limelight of pop culture stardom. Can a movie comeback be far behind? If so, there are a number of things I’d like to see him do. Because I’m already spoiled by his two newsworthy involvements and want even more.
1. Retroactive Ghostbusters Cameo
Aside from the late Harold Ramis, Moranis is the only one of the original’s main ensemble not to make a cameo in the recent Ghostbusters remake. While it’s arguable that he dodged a bullet there since the movie wasn’t very successful, I’d still like there to be balance in the universe. We have the technology to go back and insert him somewhere, right? Paul Feig can whip up a special edition where Moranis makes a digital appearance as a ghost or something. Either that or we just need a Louis Tully spin-off.
2. Strange Brew Sequel
What do Bob and Doug Mackenzie think of the craft beer explosion, particularly in Canada? That and other questions could be answered in a new movie based on the SCTV duo. Given that Moranis appeared in a Bob and Doug special and was involved in a Bob and Doug animated series means he’s still attached to the character (he plays Bob). If Bill and Ted can return after all these years, the original doofuses should, too, eh.
3. Ant-Man Cameo
Moranis would be good casting in a superhero movie in general, but fans of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and its sequels would be particularly delighted for his Easter egg of an appearance in one Marvel Cinematic Universe installment in particular. We will get another sequel after Ant-Man and the Wasp, right? Here’s a scene courtesy of critic Scott Weinberg:
Hank Pym: We need an expert on miniaturization.
Ant-Man: You're not an expert?
Hank: Not like this guy.
<Hank rings doorbell>
The door opens. It's Rick Moranis as Dr. Wayne Szalinski.
— Scott Weinberg (@scottEmovienerd) May 2, 2018
4. My Blue Heaven Sequel
Outside of Strange Brew, there aren’t really many movies of his deserving sequels. The Spaceballs follow-up, which Moranis admitted in 2013 nearly happened with his own input, should remain a joke. The possibility of a Little Shop of Horrors sequel has passed with the plans for a remake. Well, My Blue Heaven is one of his most underrated movies and one that could do with a revisit. If anything to put him and the severely underused Joan Cusack prominently on screen. Together. They had such amusing chemistry in the original, we don’t even need Steve Martin to join them.
5. Saturday Night Live
Moranis has hosted Saturday Night Live twice, the first time in 1983 with his Bob and Doug cohort Dave Thomas sharing the duties and then he did the gig solo in 1989. Regardless of your opinion of the show, it continues to be a place where actors, athletes, musicians, and more confirm their place in the pop culture market. It’s a great place to cement one’s comeback in the limelight, and Moranis could even use the opportunity in place of actually reprising any past roles or picking up any new ones. Just revisit them live from New York some Saturday night.
Related Topics: Rick Moranis
