This follows news that actor-writer-director Justin Theroux, who appeared in the original, said last month progress was being made in bringing Zoolander back to the big screen. "We've got a script for the sequel, and we've just been in talks again," he told Vulture.com. "We're trying to sharpen it and hone it and, actually, I don't want to jinx anything, but it looks like it actually might be starting to get up and running."

Ben Stiller's famous 'blue steel' face from the original.

Theroux said he had been in the running to direct but due to scheduling commitments was having to bow out, leaving the likelihood that Stiller will take up the director's reins again.

Stiller, who developed Zoolander from a VH1 fashion awards skit, has said the sequel could see an ageing Derek and Hansel (Owen Wilson) struggling to stay relevant in the fashion world.

The film centred around Derek and Hansel, aided by "investigatory journalist" Matilda (Christine Taylor), attempting to thwart a plot by Mugatu to kill the Malaysian prime minister.