On more than a few occasions, before we all carried the internet in our pockets, I successfully convinced friends that a sequel to Mel Brooks‘ History of the World, Part I exists. “Why else would it be called ‘Part 1?’ I’d asked. Check. And. Mate. It was one of my favorite bits, but now I must retire it forever. Fortunately, though, it’s for the best reason ever. Because the comedy legend has written and executive produced a follow-up sequel series to his big screen jaunt through the past. After all this time, History of the World is really getting a Part II. And we officially have its first teaser trailer.
Variety first reported that Hulu ordered History of the World, Part II from the legendary comedian in 2021. The show will serve as a sequel to Brooks’ 1981 comedy, which he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in. (What? He was too busy to also cook for the crew?) The film traveled through the ages to look at the funny side of life during famous eras. It began during pre-history and the Stone Age. Then went through Biblical times and the Roman Emperor. And it touched on the Spanish Inquisition and the French Revolution. Two notoriously hilarious periods.
The teaser trailer for History of the World, Part II reveals some names we will soon see on our screens. These include Noah, Princess Anastasia, Sigmund Freud, Rasputin, Amelia Earhart, Marco Polo, and more. Even Jesus Christ makes an appearance in this teaser. We can’t wait to see what these historical figures get up to in an all-new set of parodies.
Some very funny names will join the EGOT winner on the show’s writing staff. Nick Kroll, Wanda Sykes, Ike Barinholtz, David Stassen, and Kevin Salter will also be looking for humor in the past. And Sykes, Kroll, and Barinholtz will also star. In addition, Pamela Adlon, Quinta Brunson, Danny Devito, Josh Gad, Kumail Nanjiani, Seth Rogan, J.B. Smoove, Zazie Beetz, Dove Cameron, Jay Ellis, Johnny Knoxville, Sarah Silverman, Emily Ratajkowski, and Taika Waititi will join in the fun. It’s a star-studded cast, and even in just the teaser for the History of the World, Part II series, they slay in their roles.
Brooksfilm
We might know exactly where in time they will start too. The original movie ended with previews for “coming” historical attractions in Part II. That included teasers for “Hitler on Ice” and a grand Viking funeral. As well as a Star Wars/The Muppet Show parody called Jews in Space. The world’s a lot different now than it was in 1981, though. So whether any of those ideas will make into the show’s eight-episode first season is no guarantee.
What is a guarantee, though, is I will be trying to convince people plans for History of the World, Part III will be all about the future.
History of the World, Part II will air as part of a four-night event that begins streaming on Hulu on March 6.
Originally published on October 18, 2021.