AceShowbiz -

The sequel to "Zoolander" is moving forward with the signing of Penelope Cruz. She will star opposite Ben Stiller who reprises his role as the empty-headed supermodel Derek Zoolander in "Zoolander 2".

While not yet confirmed, Will Ferrell and Owen Wilson are all expected to return for the comedy sequel. Justin Theroux, who wrote the script, was once attached to direct but he would be busy filming the second season of "The Leftovers". Stiller is now taking over the job behind the lens and it would be his second directorial work after "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty". Stiller will also be producing with Stuart Cornfeld.

The script has been handed to Paramount which also distributed the 2001 movie. Stiller previously said about the sequel's plot, "It's ten years later and most of it is set in Europe. I don't want to give away too much, but it's basically Derek and Hansel ten years later. Though the last movie ended on a happy note, a lot of things have happened in the meantime. Their lives have changed and they're not really relevant anymore. It's a new world for them."

He added, "Will Ferrell is written into the script and he's expressed interest in doing it. I think Mugatu is an integral part of the Zoolander story, so yes, he features in a big way."