So on Monday, you hear that DUMB AND DUMBER TO outgrossed expectations and basically made its production budget back after one weekend at the box office, and then on Thursday, you hear that they're going full speed ahead on ZOOLANDER 2.
What a coincidence, eh?
The first official move in getting a sequel to Ben Stiller's cult hit has been made: Penelope Cruz has signed on to play a major role in the film, possibly the female lead (or the villain?).
Stiller is obviously a lock to return, but don't be surprised if you see Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell showing up as was-so-hot-a-second-ago Hansel and crazy-pill aficionado Mugatu. I have no clue whether they'll bring back Christine Taylor's Matilda to, once again, serve as the grounding element for the film, especially after DUMB AND DUMBER TO went full-retard for the second go (though I hear her and Stiller are close…). Justin Theroux has been attached to direct for a while now, but it was previously unclear whether he'd be making time for it in between seasons of THE LEFTOVERS. I can only assume that Stiller is resigning himself to starring (and probably writing/producing) duties to focus on loftier, more serious fare like WALTER MITTY.
Regardless, Paramount is onboard, and names are apparently getting signed, so the prospect of a ZOOLANDER 2 is more likely than ever. Considering the film was only a mild success (if that) that made its biggest splash on home video, fans of Blue Steel, Magnum, or any of Derek's classic looks should feel lucky that they'll be seeing the beast let out of its cage once more.
As for Cruz, she's done comedy before in flicks like TO ROME WITH LOVE and WOMAN ON TOP, but I don't think she's ever gone quite as goofy as, say Milla Jovovich went in the first film. I'd love to see her vamp out as modeling royalty or something.
What do you want from a ZOOLANDER sequel? Am I the only one who wants a RAID/MASTER OF THE FLYING GUILLOTINE-style action film set around a walk-off, maybe with Zoolander presiding? How would Mugatu return? Did any of those kids actually learn how to read good and do other stuff good too??
