We reported just a few days ago that “Anchorman 2” wasn’t going to happen after director Adam McKay had tweeted that Paramount “basically passed” on the idea, even after lowering the budget and asking all its stars to take paycuts. Well, either way, we could still have our fill of zany humor with “Zoolander 2” on the way, right?
Maybe not so much. Our last two reports mentioned that “Iron Man 2” scribe Justin Theroux was helping pen the script, Jonah Hill would possibly play the villain, and the film would be set 10 years after the first. Unfortunately, like most projects nowadays, there was a lot of talk before there was any real work or progression. It was assumed that the project would eventually come into fruition. But it sounds like obstacles are ahead and perhaps economic ones that are insurmountable.
In a recent tweet this weekend, Ben Stiller wrote, “Ron Burgundy and Derek Zoolander looking to appear in sequels. Both men destitute, without means or intellect to fund their own comebacks.” Sounds like Paramount has either passed on “Zoolander 2,” or it’s just not looking hopeful. Perhaps they’re not keen at green lighting the film at its current price, but budgeting the picture seems rather premature as the script is probably not even finished. Either way it sounds like some meetings have taken place and Stiller hasn’t liked what he’s heard.
The original more than doubled its $28 million budget, hauling in $60 million worldwide. Maybe it’s because Stiller’s last effort for the studio, the hefty and uneven “Tropic Thunder,” only made $110 million on its $92 million budget? It’s quite possible. “Zoolander” was also nine years ago, and though it has a strong collect following now, it’s unclear as to who will actually give a sequel the time of day. Films franchises like “Austin Powers” came with two to three years in between, with the iconic/annoying character fresh in audiences’ minds. Paramount has been banking on “How to Train Your Dragon” these past few weeks, and their upcoming films “Iron Man 2” and “Shrek Forever After” will probably do the same. Though expensive to make, they will prove to be worth the cash, whereas expensive comedies like “Tropic Thunder” and even the grounded “She’s Out of My League” had a meager return on its $20 million budget. Funny business with little business, Paramount needs to find films to fill their plates outside of summer blockbusters and kids movies.
And maybe this is it. Boxoffice reports that the cost-conscious studio are also looking to open Insurge Pictures, an indie division with a budget of $1 million looking to spend $100,000 on 10 features. The article mentions the horror “Paranormal Activity,” which brought in millions on its meager $11,000 budget. The article wonders if “any studio, large or small, capture lightning in a bottle over and again?” Probably not. Horror pictures usually bank at the box office (and on DVD), and though they don’t specifically mention the projects they will focus on, they will likely vary in genre. However, even smaller films like “Baghead” and “Momma’s Man” managed to capture about $140,000 domestic and $120,000 worldwide, respectively, on fairly meager budgets.
While their business plan isn’t all that detailed, they mention new outlets for advertising, such as social networking sites. “The fact that Paramount is including social networking and community building as a prominent part of their new venture is smart on their part, and also obviously a sign of the times,” mentions Josh Welsh, Director of Talent Development with Film Independent. This will be an interesting venture to follow, as it could give some creative directors a decent opportunity, with fingers crossed on limited studio interference.
With no room to shell out millions for silly comedies, we might just have to consider “Zoolander 2″… not quite dead, but it stasis for now until further notice. This plan is certainly cheaper than any Ben Stiller comedy, and it won’t hurt the studio too much to take the risk. Paramount has other priorities, and they don’t involve male models or listening to their friend Billy Zane. BTW, how about just taking these properties to another studio. That’ll work, no? Nope, as Adam McKay recently clarified on Twitter, “To all who asked: no we can’t do Anchorman 2 at another studio. Paramount owns it.” The same sadly applies to “Zoolander” as well.