In the Eighties and Nineties, few actors were as popular or marketable as Rick Moranis. The SCTV comedian had an incredible run of Hollywood comedies from Ghostbusters to Little Shop of Horrors, Spaceballs, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, and Little Giants. He hasn’t appeared in a film since 1996, however, and the general belief is that he’s retired. Not the case. In fact, Moranis has been quite active, doing occasional voice work, performing as a musician, and raising two kids as a single father. His latest album, My Mother’s Brisket, was just released.

In a new interview about that album, Moranis revealed he was very close to making Spaceballs III at one point (yes, you read that right) and that he was contacted about a Ghostbusters sequel several years ago. Read his quotes below.

Moranis spoke to Heeb Magazine on the occasion of his album. Here’s the fascinating excerpt about the sequels to Spaceballs and Ghostbusters.

BA: Spaceballs II: The Search for More Money was a conversation? RM: Mel wanted to do a sequel after it became a cult video hit. It wasn’t a box office hit. It was a cult video hit, and MGM wanted to do a sequel. And my idea for it was Spaceballs III: The Search for Spaceballs II. And I was unable to make a deal with Mel. I couldn’t make a deal. BA: In terms of just getting enough money? RM: I wasn’t privy to what the budget was or anything, but the deal he presented me, what he wanted me to do, was not workable. It was two or three years later. He wanted me to … it’s better if I don’t get into the particulars of it. Because it is so specific, it’s counter-productive to talk about it. But I was unable to make a deal, and it would have been something I would have wanted to do. But that ship has sailed. Then, there’s the perennial talk of another Ghostbusters, but that’s all talk and speculation. BA: Have you been approached about it? RM: I got a call three or four years ago from an associate of Aykroyd’s. Some sort of producer. And he said, “Listen, I gotta ask you something, because the Internet says you’re retired”—which is one of my favorites, by the way. BA: When the Internet says you’re retired? RM: I just love when the Internet is wrong. It’s the only thing that will save journalism. So he says, “I gotta ask, would you do it?” I said, “I don’t say no to anything until everything is presented to me.” What is it? Is it happening? Is there a script? What’s the part? Who else is in it? Where is it? How long is it gonna take? You know, I need a little bit more information. “But it’s something you would do?” he asks. Do I have to answer that? BA: He needs that confirmation, so he can go back to people and make his deal. RM: Yeah. That’s called “producing.” I got this, and I got this. Gimme some money.

Head to the above link to read the rest of the fascinating interview.

While the Spaceballs III idea is intriguing, what’s more interesting is how the quotes make it seem as if Moranis hasn’t heard about Ghostbusters 3 in several years. He doesn’t sound against it, just that he wants to know more, which makes perfect sense.

What do you think about his comments?