There have been talks of a "Zoolander" follow up since 2008, the title has been back and forth dormant and progressing with updates. Released in 2001, the first movie, with a budget of $20 million, grossed $60 million and through the years have gained popularity making it a cult favorite.
Ben Stiller who played the title role of the eccentric male model let slip a few details on the sequel in an exclusive with Empire Magazine back in 2011.
"It's ten years later and most of it is set in Europe. I don't want to give away too much, but it's basically Derek and Hansel ten years later - though the last movie ended on a happy note a lot of things have happened in the meantime," said Stiller.
"Their lives have changed and they're not really relevant anymore. It's a new world for them. Will Ferrell is written into the script and he's expressed interest in doing it. I think Mugatu is an integral part of the Zoolander story, so yes, he features in a big way."
Fast forward to today, the film is set to begin filming at the Cinecittà studios in Rome. Coming Soon reports that Mayor of Rome Ignazio Marino has announced that the movie is scheduled to shoot for 12 weeks.
Christine Taylor, Stiller's real-life wife, who played investigative reporter Matilda Jeffries and Zoolander's love interest in the first film, has confirmed her participation in the sequel as she tells in this interview with Entertainment Weekly.
"I can tell you that I'm involved, but that's all I can say," the actress said. "I can tell you it's happening, but I can't tell you where Matilda's at and where their relationship is at."
Taylor kept mum on other details, adding "It's all top secret!"
The 2001 film follows dim-witted male model Derek Zoolander, who after three consecutive years of winning the "Male Model of The Year Award" is defeated by Hansel, a newcomer in the industry. Following his defeat, Derek goes on a search to find his true purpose. Wanting to get out of his downward spiral, he comes across Mugatu, a top fashion designer who offers to aid him in getting his career back on track. He soon finds out that he's part of Mugatu's plot in assassinating the Malaysian Prime Minister.
