Following the death of his wife in 1991, actor and comedian Rick Moranis (“Brother Bear”) slowly stepped out of the Hollywood spotlight, choosing life as a stay-at-home father over fame. Despite taking a long hiatus from his career, it was recently reported that Moranis will return to acting in film, reprising his role as Wayne Szalinski in the “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” reboot, “Shrunk,” which will be released in theaters, not as a Disney+ exclusive. Though Moranis will not be the film’s leading man, a role instead delegated to Josh Gad (“Frozen 2”), the notion that he will at least appear in the film is still a welcome one, as fans have waited for over 20 years to witness his likeness on screen once again.
In his prime, Moranis was known for his comedic roles in which he was frequently typecast as nerdy, awkward characters, such as Louis Tully in “Ghostbusters” and its sequels, and Seymour Krelborn in “Little Shop of Horrors.” Prior to his film career, Moranis gained recognition for his stint on the Canadian sketch comedy series, “SCTV,” in which he and co-star Dave Thomas (“Rat Race”) notably performed as the Canadian caricatures, Bob and Doug McKenzie, who were later given their own film, 1983’s “Strange Brew.”
Though Moranis officially ceased acting in live-action films following “Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves” in 1997, he still occasionally did voice work for animated films such as “Brother Bear,” with its sequel being the last film before his break. Since then, the only appearance Moranis has made in the media was an episode of the sitcom “The Goldbergs,” in which he reprised his role as the character “Dark Helmet” from Mel Brooks’ “Star Wars” spoof, “Spaceballs.” As such, it is only fitting that his first film role since his return to acting will be one which he has already played, especially given that eccentric scientist Wayne Szalinski is one of his most recognizable roles.
Given his recent track record, it is more than likely that Moranis’ appearance in “Shrunk” will be nothing more than a cameo or supporting role in the film. This has to do in part with the fact that the film will instead focus on his character’s son, Nick Szalinski, who will be played by the fittingly-cast Gad, who has become notorious for his performances as goofy, eccentric characters, just like Szalinski was characterized. Though he may only make a cameo appearance, this film may be a perfect way for Moranis to revive his career. However, if he opts to remain in retirement after the film’s release, or at least does nothing more than appear as cameos in future films, his appearance in “Shrunk” will pose as a sweet, touching way to treat audiences who have longed to see him work again, while respectfully paying tribute to the works of a man who admirably sacrificed fame and his career in order to care for his family in a time of hardship.
Image from Walt Disney Pictures via YouTube
