NEW YORK — Fifteen years is forever in the fashion world, but that’s how long it’s taken Ben Stiller to make “Zoolander 2,” the sequel to his cult-driven fashionista satire of 2001. That’s a long time between poses, which is what Stiller’s dimwitted male supermodel Derek Zoolander does, alongside his buddy and sometime rival Hansel (Owen Wilson).
Stiller had directed and starred in the big-screen “Zoolander,” which was actually inspired by a pair of shorts Stiller had co-written for the 1996 and ’97 VH-1 Fashion Awards.
This time he is working with the endorsement of the American fashion world’s most powerful force: Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
Yes, the woman who was scathingly sent up by Meryl Streep in the fictional “The Devil Wears Prada” has fully embraced the lunacy that is “Zoolander,” down to pairing Stiller (in Dolce & Gabbana) with Penelope Cruz, his “Zoolander” co-star, on the current Vogue cover.
“We have a nice Vogue issue for ‘Zoolander.’ Anna Wintour has been an amazing partner on the movie,” Stiller, 50, said at the Signature Theater, where he was co-hosting a benefit with the editor.
How had Wintour been involved?
“Just being helpful in getting the movie made, in terms of us casting the movie,” Stiller said.
“To have her cooperation in the fashion world opens many doors. She’s also a part of the movie.”
Does that mean she will be making a cameo alongside Kanye and Kim Kardashian West, Demi Lovato, Justin Bieber and Macaulay Culkin?
“Possibly, yes.”
Stiller, who co-produced and directed in addition to his starring and co-writing duties, did a double take when asked if the movie might appear at the Berlin Film Festival, which opens Thursday, the same day as its global release.
“No, it will not be in a film festival.”
With the tremendous interest the sequel has generated, is he planning “3”?
“Oh gosh, no, I have not. I’m just worried about getting ‘2’ out. Maybe in 15 more years? When I’m 65!”
And with that, Stiller busted out laughing.
