Ben Stiller talks Zoolander 2, which is not quite as dead as Anchorman 2

In a world where there are ten idiotic sequels greenlighted every day, I cannot for the life of me understand why it’s so tough for movies like ANCHORMAN and ZOOLANDER to get follow-up films.

Both are comedy classics with built in fanbases, yet ANCHORMAN 2 has already been killed by the studio who said it “wasn’t economical.” Unless all those involved are demanding outrageous salaries, what were they going to spend so much cash on, fake mustaches?

ZOOLANDER 2 is staring down a similar barrel as it fights to exist, and in the newest issue of Empire, Ben Stiller talks a bit about what he’s got planned if the movie can get made.

“(In the fashion industry) ten years is a thousand years. They’re both totally out of it and have to start from scratch.”

“And then there are things set up at the end of the first movie that we’re able to build on, like Derek and Matilda have a son, and Mugatu went to jail. There’s a lot there, I’m excited about the idea of doing it. It feels like it’s getting close to going.”

“I’m excited about the idea of doing it” and “it’s getting close to going” aren’t exactly the most reassuring statements in the world. Why so hesitant?

“It’s hard to get any movie made. It’s frustrating, because I believe the script is incredible. It’s not just putting on those costumes again, it’s a great story to tell.”

“We’ve got what I consider to be the best comedy script I’ve read in years and years, with jokes that haven’t been told before.”

Again, I understand these movies are full of big stars like Ferrell and Stiller, but I can’t imagine them demanding giant paychecks that would halt production if they’re that passionate about these movies. What’s the real story here?

Source: Empire