In a candid conversation with David Duchovny on the inaugural episode of the actor’s new podcast “Fail Better,” Ben Stiller reflected on the less-than-stellar reception of “Zoolander 2.” As shared by People, Stiller admitted that he was taken aback by the film’s failure, stating, “And then it’s like, ‘Wow, I must have really f****d this up. Everybody didn’t go to it. And it’s gotten these horrible reviews.’” Despite his initial confidence, the negative response to “Zoolander 2” left the comedy icon questioning his comedic instincts, confessing to prolonged self-doubt after the film’s release.
“What scared me the most on that one was I’m losing what I think what’s funny, the questioning yourself … on ‘Zoolander 2,’ it was definitely blindsiding to me. And it definitely affected me for a long time.”
Duchovny, who appeared as hand model J. P. Prewitt in the first “Zoolander” movie, had earlier expressed his enthusiasm about the project in a conversation with Vanity Fair. His established rapport with Stiller may have contributed to the latter’s openness during their podcast discussion. Post-“Zoolander 2,” Stiller found a fresh direction in his career; he directed Showtime’s “Escape at Dannemora” and produced the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series “Severance.”
FAQ
- What was the box office flop that led Ben Stiller to question his career?
“Zoolander 2” was the box office flop that Ben Stiller referred to when discussing the questioning of his career decisions and comedic sensibility.
- Where did Ben Stiller talk about his experience with “Zoolander 2”?
Ben Stiller talked about his experience on David Duchovny’s “Fail Better” podcast.
- Who is J. P. Prewitt in the “Zoolander” film?
J. P. Prewitt is a character portrayed by David Duchovny in the original “Zoolander” film; he’s known as the world’s greatest hand model.
- What projects did Ben Stiller work on post-“Zoolander 2”?
After “Zoolander 2,” Ben Stiller directed “Escape at Dannemora” and produced the series “Severance” for Apple TV+.
- Did the critical and commercial reaction to “Zoolander 2” have a lasting impact on Stiller?
Yes, Ben Stiller admitted that the reaction to “Zoolander 2” affected him for a long time and led to self-doubt regarding his understanding of what’s funny.
Conclusion
The unexpected negative response to “Zoolander 2” not only impacted its box office earnings but also had a significant emotional effect on Ben Stiller. His introspection led to uncertainty about his perception of comedy and prompted a period of reflection. However, redemption came through his successful works in “Escape at Dannemora” and “Severance,” indicating that even seasoned artists like Stiller can encounter setbacks but emerge with new creative vigor. This chapter in Stiller’s career underscores the ever-changing nature of entertainment and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.