We’ve long heard that a sequel to the 2001 cult comedy Zoolander was in the works, but that Paramount was a bit nervous when it came to giving it an official greenlight. Back in August The Leftovers star Justin Theroux, who wrote the script and was once attached to direct, said that talks with the studio were still happening, and seemed confident that Zoolander 2 would see the light of day.
Now, we’re one step closer to it actually happening, as Academy Award winner Penelope Cruz (Vicky Christina Barcelona, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) has just signed on to co-star alongside returning cast members Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, and Owen Wilson.
Deadline reports the news, and cites that Theroux will in fact direct the film, despite the actor’s doubts about it back in August. The site also claims that the success of Dumb and Dumber To, a goofy sequel to another beloved and long-dormant cult comedy, may have given Paramount a bit of confidence in pushing forward with another adventure starring titular airheaded male model Derek Zoolander.
Originally published November 20, 2014. Updated April 13, 2018.
