Derek Zoolander is a New York male model, better known for his vanity than his intelligence, who takes for granted that he will keep dominating his profession. When a defeat on the runway and a personal tragedy leave him adrift, he tries to start over far from fashion, but his past catches up with him. Journalist Matilda Jeffries, who has interviewed and criticised him in the press, becomes the only person who seems to take his problems seriously, while the fashion world emerges as an environment as absurd as it is cruel.

How it was made

The film grew out of two short films made for the VH1 Fashion Awards television specials in 1996 and 1997, written by Drake Sather and Ben Stiller, who also created the character. The name Derek Zoolander was inspired by two Calvin Klein models, Mark Vanderloo and Johnny Zander. Stiller first had Owen Wilson in mind for Hansel, though auditions were held in case he was unavailable. Andy Dick was set to play Mugatu but could not, due to a commitment to the TV series Go Fish. Stiller had also intended to play Maury, but he ended up giving the part to his father, Jerry Stiller. The opening scenes were shot during commercial breaks at the real 2000 VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards. David Bowie filmed his appearance as the judge of the model showdown in September 2000, and he later described the script as too funny to pass up. Numerous cameos from fashion and entertainment figures complete the cast.

Reception and legacy

The film was released on September 28, 2001, by Paramount Pictures. It received generally positive reviews and was a box-office success, grossing about $60.8 million against a budget of about $28 million. Its reception led to a sequel, Zoolander 2, released in February 2016, and an animated follow-up, Zoolander: Super Model, released on Netflix in the UK in August 2016.

Stills

Trailer

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Trivia

A name taken from real fashion

The protagonist's name was inspired by two models who worked for Calvin Klein, Mark Vanderloo and Johnny Zander.

Bowie in a brief role

David Bowie appears as himself, serving as judge of the model showdown, a scene filmed in September 2000.

A father in the cast

Stiller had originally considered playing Maury too, but he ended up giving the role to his father, Jerry Stiller.

More films by Ben Stiller

Tropic Thunder2008

The Cable Guy1996

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty2013

Zoolander No. 22016

Reality Bites1994

Original Cinematopedia text based on Wikipedia (es) and Wikipedia (en) and Wikidata.