Ben Stiller talks challenges of Zoolander 2

Zoolander star Ben Stiller
Zoolander star Ben Stiller

He wasn't a box office hit, but Derek Zoolander didn't let that stop him from becoming a household name.

Zoolander took the fashion and movie worlds by stealth 15 years ago, and now he takes to the catwalk once again in the sequel.

Let's face it, the whole world is the catwalk when you're really, really ridiculously good-looking, and Derek Zoolander has been scaling new heights on his global mission to promote his new movie.

Photo calls and premieres in Sydney, London, New York – there is no question Derek and his bestie, Hansel, are so hot right now.

Along with plenty of familiar faces there's some fresh talent in the sequel.

Actress Kristen Wiig is nigh on unrecognisable in the film and a total highlight not just for audiences, but for her director and co-star.

"All those little things she does in the movie that I think are so funny are not really in the script, but when she put the make-up on, the nails on, the lips, all of it…" says Ben Stiller.

Fans have been waiting a long time for Derek's return, but Stiller reminds us Zoolander was a slow burn for audiences.

"Even when the first movie came out, not that many people went to see it, so it was an interesting thing over the years to see how people discovered Derek."

So as the writer and director, what was the biggest challenge for Stiller on set?

"Working with Derek Zoolander, he's just very difficult, as an actor. It's hard to get him out of his trailer. He's not even an actor; he's a model. Hansel's no better really. Just getting those guys camera-ready can take half the day."

They're ready now though. Zoolander 2 has just landed in Kiwi cinemas.

Newshub.