What is Paramount Pictures Zoolander 2?
Zoolander 2 is a 2016 American comedy film produced by Paramount Pictures. It is the sequel to the 2001 film Zoolander, which gained a cult following for its over-the-top portrayal of the fashion industry and the hilarious performances by Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson as the titular characters.
The film picks up many years after the events of the first film. Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) and Hansel McDonald (Owen Wilson) have been out of the limelight and struggling to find work in the fashion industry, due to a tragedy that occurred during a charity fashion show. However, they are soon recruited by the Interpol to help solve a series of mysterious murders that have been happening around the world, all of which share one thing in common - the victims' last known poses resemble Zoolander's infamous Blue Steel look.
The film features a star-studded cast, with appearances from Penélope Cruz, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, and many more. Along with the hilarious performances, Zoolander 2 also features some stunning fashion design, as well as a few unexpected surprises that no one could have seen coming.
While the film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, it remains a beloved addition to the Zoolander franchise. With its outrageous characters, unforgettable quotes, and over-the-top fashion, Zoolander 2 is a must-watch for fans of the original film and anyone in the mood for a good laugh.
Frequently Asked Questions about paramount pictures zoolander 2
Former models Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) and Hansel find themselves thrust back into the spotlight after living in seclusion for years. Invited to a major fashion event in Rome, the estranged friends are surprised to see how much the business has changed. Even more shocking is their encounter with Valentina Valencia, a special agent who needs their help. Someone is killing famous pop stars, and it's up to Derek and Hansel to help save the world's most beautiful people from a similar fate.Zoolander 2 / Film synopsis
Arguably even worse than this financial trouncing was that the film failed to connect with audiences in the way that its predecessor had. It seemed that in the 15 years between the first and second film, a comedic tale of a vain supermodel just wasn't the laugh that it once was.
With a reported budget of $50 million and a U.S. box office gross of only $29 million, “Zoolander 2” is one of the biggest flops of Ben Stiller's career.
“Zoolander 2's” deep bench of designer cameos includes Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, Alexander Wang and Valentino (we won't spoil a plot point but rest assured it goes way beyond the step-and-repeat sound bites of the first film).
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Zoolander/Movies
A few more obvious plusses are the film's savage jabs at eating disorders, fashion obsessions, sweatshops and child labor, and many celebrities' philanthropic apathy. Here, too, Zoolander uses jokes and gags - some of them crude - to make its points.
Zoolander was never shown in Malaysia, as the film depicts an attempted assassination of the Malaysian prime minister. Malaysia's censorship board deemed it "definitely unsuitable". The film was also banned in neighboring Singapore due to bilateral sensitivities and the movie's depiction of using the drug peyote.
Telegraphed jokes, embarrassing cameos and some really bizarre pacing issues prevent “Zoolander 2” from finding the rhythm or magic of the original, which let's face it, is par for the comedy-sequel course.
Zoolander 2 grossed $28.8 million in the U.S. and Canada and $27.9 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $56.7 million against a budget of $50 million.
There is a moment in Zoolander when evil fashion mogul Mugatu announces a new brand, Derelicte. "It is a fashion, a way of life inspired by the very homeless, the vagrants, the crack whores that make this wonderful city so unique," says the maniacal designer, played with customary comic strength by Will Ferrell.
Derelicte
Filming. The opening scenes were filmed at the real life 2000 VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards during commercial breaks. "Derelicte" is the name given to the fashion line designed by Mugatu and is a parody of a real fashion line created by John Galliano in 2000.
Zoolander 2 (promoted as Zoolander No. 2) is a 2016 American action comedy film directed by Ben Stiller and written by John Hamburg, Justin Theroux, Stiller, and Nicholas Stoller.
Ben Stiller first created the character for a skit at the 1996 VH1 Fashion Awards. The name "Derek Zoolander" was invented by Bates while he was editing the first short film, and was inspired by the names of two male models who both worked for Calvin Klein: the Dutchman Mark Vanderloo and the American Johnny Zander.
A few more obvious plusses are the film's savage jabs at eating disorders, fashion obsessions, sweatshops and child labor, and many celebrities' philanthropic apathy. Here, too, Zoolander uses jokes and gags - some of them crude - to make its points.
With its daft humor, on-point criticism of the fashion industry, and exhaustive list of celebrity cameos, Zoolander has a legacy that has not just lived on with audiences, but grown in accuracy.
This is open to dispute, but one contender is Umberto Lenzi's Make Them Die Slowly - also known as Canibal Ferox (US 1980), billed as The Most Violent Ever. Publicity for the picture proudly proclaimed that it had been banned in 31 countries.
