‘History of the World Part II’ Variety Series Ordered at Hulu, Mel Brooks to Write and Executive Produce (EXCLUSIVE)
“History of the World, Part I” is finally getting a Part II, with Hulu ordering a variety series followup to the classic Mel Brooks comedy film, Variety has learned exclusively.
“History of the World, Part II” is described as a sequel to the 1981 film. The film was made up of segments set during different periods of world history. Among those was the Stone Age, Ancient Rome, and the French Revolution. Like most of Brooks’ work, it also featured musical numbers, including one about the Spanish Inquisition and, of course, “Jews in Space.”
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Brooks is a writer and executive producer on the series along with Nick Kroll, Wanda Sykes, Ike Barinholtz, David Stassen and Kevin Salter. There is no word yet on which world events the series will cover. Hulu has ordered eight episodes of the show. The writers room is beginning in October with production slated to begin in Spring 2022. Searchlight Television and 20th Television will produce.
“I can’t wait to once more tell the real truth about all the phony baloney stories the world has been conned into believing are History!” Brooks said.
Brooks, a comedy legend and EGOT winner, wrote and directed “History of the World, Part I” in addition to appearing onscreen in five different roles. Those included King Louis XVI and his piss boy doppleganger as well as the stand up philosopher Comicus. The film also featured stars like Gregory Hines, Dom De Luise, Madeline Kahn, Harvey Korman, Cloris Leachman, and many more.
Brooks’ comedy films are consistently ranked among the best of all time, such as “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein,” “The Producers,” and “Spaceballs.” He later adapted both “The Producers” and “Young Frankenstein” as critically-acclaimed stage musicals. He has also produced several hit films, most notably David Lynch’s “The Elephant Man.”
He is repped by CAA.
Kroll previously created and starred in the Comedy Central sketch series “Kroll Show” and currently stars in the hit Netflix animated comedy series “Big Mouth,” which he co-created. Sykes is a world-renowned stand up comedian, writer and actress, known for roles in shows like “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” “Black-ish,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and the current Netflix series “The Upshaws.” Barinholtz previously wrote for and starred in “The Mindy Project” and has starred in shows like “Madtv,” “The League” (along with Kroll), and “Bless the Harts.” Stassen also wrote for “The Mindy Project” and recently re-teamed with Barinholtz as writers on the Netflix animated series “Chicago Party Aunt.” Salter is Brooks’ producing partner, having worked with him on projects like “Mel Brooks Live at the Geffen” and “Young Frankenstein Live.”
Kroll is repped by UTA, Rise and Schreck/Rose/Dapello. Sykes is repped by ICM and Roger Pliakas. Barinholtz is repped by UTA, Artists First, Kovert Creative, and Morris Yorn. Stassen is repped by UTA, Mosaic and Morris Yorn. Salter is repped by CAA.
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