World history class will soon be back in session. Well, sort of. History of the World, Part II, a new series from Mel Brooks and a sequel to his 1981 hit History of the World, Part I, is set to premiere on Hulu this spring.
Brooks' original History of the World, Part I took a comedic look at several prominent historical events. These ranged from the Stone Age, the Roman Empire, the Spanish Inquisition, and the French Revolution. Each era was presented as an individual vignette parodying classic epic film tropes. In addition, shorter interspersed skits included takes on the biblical Old Testament, specifically Moses and the Ten Commandments.
Despite "Part I" prominently in the film's title, there were no plans for a second installment. That is, until 40 years later when Hulu ordered a sequel series with the 96-year-old Brooks set to return to write and produce. So now let's look at everything we know about History of the World, Part II. Which historical events can we expect to see parodied this time around? Will Brooks return to the cast, and who will be joining him? When and where will the series be released? And what else should audiences know about History of the World, Part II?
History of the World, Part II: The Plot
The original film spanned thousands of years, from the Stone Age through the French Revolution. As of now, it appears that the sequel series may cover a shorter, more contemporary time period. Part II will consist of eight episodes, with each one parodying a different event. Brooks is clearly eager to return and relay more historical facts, telling Variety, "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!"
We have an idea of what we can expect from the sequel series via a first look provided to Entertainment Weekly. Events include the construction of the Egyptian pyramids, the American Civil War, and the Russian Revolution. There is a fictional character named Schmuck Mudman, who works as a food deliveryman during the Russian Revolution and may be planning something secret against the revolutionaries. The Russian Revolution looks to be a prominent plot point in the sequel series, as real-life revolutionary Leon Trotsky is also set to appear. Other featured historical figures include Shirley Chisholm, who was the first Black woman to run for a major party's presidential nomination in 1972.
The end of the original film previewed numerous sketches that would ostensibly appear in the non-existent follow-up. These included "Hitler on Ice," "Jews in Space," and a Viking funeral. While it is unclear if the new series will feature any of these sketches, one image depicts three commentators standing beside an ice rink discussing one of history's "most vile" leaders.
History of the World, Part II: The Cast & Crew
Brooks' original epic featured a sprawling ensemble cast of many of the day's biggest names. Brooks himself played several different roles, including Moses and King Louis XVI. Other stars appearing in various roles included Sid Caesar, Dom Deluise, Madeline Kahn, and Cloris Leachman, among others. Even Citizen Kane visionary Orson Welles was on board as the narrator for each vignette.
Part II is set to feature a slightly smaller, but no less impressive, cast. Brooks himself will return to the cast in addition to working on writing and producing. That's a daunting task for anyone in show bushiness, let alone someone pushing 100. While we know of Brooks' return to the cast, it is not yet known which historical figures the Spaceballs mastermind will take on.
Brooks will be joined in the cast by comics Ike Barinholtz, Wanda Sykes, and Nick Kroll. All three are also set to write and produce. Barinholtz will appear as Leon Trotsky, while Kroll is taking on the fictional Schmuck Mudman. Sykes plays Shirley Chisholm, who enjoys a jaunty musical number in true Mel Brooks fashion. All three will also appear as unnamed figure skating correspondents. With each of the eight episodes revolving around a different historical event, it's likely that the cast will again take on multiple roles. We might also see other names pop up in minor cameo roles.
Release Date
History of the World, Part II will be available to watch starting March 6.