History of the World, Part II might get a follow-up season sooner than later. The Hulu series, which stars Mel Brooks, Wanda Sykes, Nick Kroll, and Ike Barinholtz along with a cavalcade of celebrity guests, is a sketch comedy series inspired by history that ran for three nights on Hulu between March 6 and March 9. It is a sequel to Brooks' classic film History of the World, Part I, which premiered in 1981 and featured an all-star cast including Dom DeLuise, Madeline Kahn, Harvey Korman, and Cloris Leachman.
Newsweek had the opportunity to sit down and talk with several members of the cast and crew of History of the World, Part II. When they inquired about the series' future, showrunner David Stassen offered an optimistic take. While he didn't outright confirm that there would be a History of the World, Part III, he did indicate the interest. Read his full quote below:
"I think everyone that I know of is on board and would love another crack at some historical figures and eras."
History of the World Part II's Broken Precedent is Good News for the Future
The fact that it took more than four decades to make A History of the World, Part II might seem like a point against the possibility of another part coming any time soon. However, the series broke an important precedent. Despite making many beloved films, this is the first time that any Mel Brooks film has gotten a proper sequel.
Some of Brooks' most iconic properties have been rebooted or resurrected in other ways over the years. This includes Spaceballs: The Animated Series in 2009 and the Blazing Saddles remake Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank just last year. However, this is not only the first proper sequel but the only one that has had his direct involvement outside of his credit as an executive producer.
History of the World, Part II was probably one of the easiest properties for him to accept, considering how its sketch comedy presentation and varied historical setting allowed it to be less faithful to the universe of the original film. History of the World provides a huge sandbox for the comic titan, without a strict plot and characters that would make him feel like he's beholden to what he did before in other iconic films like Young Frankenstein. With the new series pushing the tide of Brooks' enthusiasm back toward his older material, it seems likely that he'd jump at the chance for another season if he's given the opportunity.
Source: Newsweek