The 2003 prequel Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd explores the high school origins of the titular characters, featuring Derek Richardson and Eric Christian Olsen as younger versions of Harry and Lloyd. The plot centers on a corrupt principal's scheme to embezzle funds using a fake "special needs" class, while the film relies heavily on slapstick and gross-out humor. Despite the cast's uncanny imitations, the movie was critically panned for lacking the heart and comedic timing of the original, often seen as a cautionary tale about making prequels without the original team.