Judd Apatow to make Mel Brooks documentary

'I went into comedy because of him'

Judd Apatow is to make a two-part documentary about Mel Brooks.

The director has previously made films about George Carlin, Garry Shandling and the friendship between Bob Newhart and Don Rickles.

And now he will take on another comedy icon, saying: 'I went into comedy because of my love for Mel Brooks. This project is the dream of a lifetime.’

The currently untitled documentary is described as ‘an expansive yet intimate look at one of comedy’s most hilarious and influential minds, whose work has had audiences around the world laughing for more than 70 years’.

Apatow previously wrote in the Atlantic: ‘I’m always looking for a way to get near Mel Brooks. Can you blame me? He has acted in, directed, produced, and written some of the most memorable films in human history.’

The film was announced as 98-year-old Brooks celebrates 50 years of his seminal Blazing Saddles this year. A sequel to Spaceballs is also in the works, while last year he narrated the TV sketch series History of the World, Part II.

The new documentary will air on HBO in the States, which in 2020 also broadcast the BBC Imagine documentary Mel Brooks: Unwrapped.

Apatow at Always Be Comedy

Apatow has been in London this week, and made a surprise appearance at the Always Be Comedy club night – his first UK stand-up performance – as Chortle previously reported.

Thanks for reading. If you find Chortle’s coverage of the comedy scene useful or interesting, please consider supporting us with a monthly or one-off ko-fi donation.

Any money you contribute will directly fund more reviews, interviews and features – the sort of in-depth coverage that is increasingly difficult to fund from ever-squeezed advertising income, but which we think the UK’s vibrant comedy scene deserves.

Subscribe or donate here

Published: 25 Jul 2024