comeback

BACK in the 80s and early 90s, this movie star was known for huge blockbuster films, and was one of the biggest names in Hollywood.

Sadly, in 1991, the actor’s beloved wife died and he started to take a step back from the limelight and eventually quit fame – but now the 72-year-old star is making his big comeback.

Rick Moranis, famed for 80s films like Ghostbusters, thrilled fans when he made a rare appearance at CinemaCon 2026.

The much-loved actor was spotted at the big event with the cast of the Spaceballs sequel as he prepares for his return to the big screen.

It was announced last year that the Canadian actor would be reprising his role as Dark Helmet.

The original movie, which is a spoof of Star Wars, came out in 1987 and starred many notable names, including Mel Brooks, Daphne Zuniga, Bill Pullman, the late John Candy, and Joan Rivers, among others.

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Many of Rick’s former co-stars have returned for the sequel, such as Mel, Daphne, Bill, and George Wyner.

There are also several new faces among the cast, including Josh Gad and Keke Palmer.

The cast joined Rick at a panel event to promote the movie at CinemaCon.

Despite the star rarely being seen in the last three decades, the actor hasn’t changed much in appearance.

The Flintstones star wore his trademark round-framed glasses, which he was famed for in his iconic movies.

Other than Spaceballs, Rick starred in many successful films in the 1980s and 1990s, including Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and its sequels, and playing Barney in The Flintstones.

Sadly, Rick started to take a step back from Hollywood when his wife, Anne Belsky, passed away from breast cancer in 1991.

During the 90s, he slowly started to quit fame to focus on parenting his two children.

Although Rick hasn’t been seen on screen, he hasn’t entirely distanced himself from acting.

He lent his voice to several animated projects over the years, including Disney‘s Brother Bear in 2003, and its sequel, Brother Bear 2, in 2006.

Rick’s voice also appeared in a 2018 episode of The Goldbergs and a 2020 episode of the Disney+ docuseries Prop Culture.

However, he hasn’t appeared in a live-action film since Disney’s Honey, I Shrunk Ourselves, which was released directly to video in 1997.

But Rick is now set to be back on the big screen, with production for Spaceballs 2 underway.

The hotly-anticipated sequel is set to hit cinemas in 2027.

Norway is preparing to lift restrictions preventing its $2.2 trillion sovereign wealth fund from investing in government bonds issued by Syria.

The move follows the political transition after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad and the rise of Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose government has been seeking economic recovery and international reintegration after more than a decade of war and sanctions.

At the same time, Norway plans to newly restrict investments in bonds issued by Iran, aligning with ongoing international sanctions.

Policy Shift and Financial Context

The Norwegian sovereign wealth fund, the largest in the world, plays a major role in global financial markets. Its investment decisions often influence broader investor behaviour.

The updated policy removes Syria from the exclusion list for government bonds while adding Iran, reflecting changing geopolitical and sanctions dynamics.

Although the fund does not currently hold investments in Middle Eastern government bonds, the policy shift opens the door for future allocations and signals a reassessment of risk and legitimacy.

Geopolitical Significance

Norway’s decision represents a notable step toward Syria’s re-entry into the global financial system. It comes alongside other developments, including the restoration of Syria’s financial links with international institutions after years of isolation.

The move also highlights a divergence in how states are being treated: while Syria is gradually being reintegrated, Iran remains economically isolated due to continued tensions and sanctions.

As one of the world’s most influential sovereign investors, Norway’s stance could encourage other countries and institutions to reconsider their own restrictions on Syria.

Analysis

The decision reflects a broader recalibration of international economic engagement based on political change and shifting strategic priorities. By opening the possibility of investment in Syrian bonds, Norway is signalling cautious confidence in the new government’s direction and stability.

At the same time, the move remains largely symbolic in the short term. The wealth fund has no immediate exposure to Syrian debt, and actual investment will depend on risk assessments, market conditions, and institutional safeguards.

More importantly, the policy underscores how financial tools are increasingly used as instruments of foreign policy. Inclusion or exclusion from global capital markets can legitimise governments, incentivise reforms, or reinforce isolation.

In Syria’s case, gradual financial reintegration could support reconstruction and economic recovery, but it also raises questions about governance, transparency, and long-term stability after years of conflict.

With information from Reuters.