"Zoolander" marked Stiller's third directorial effort, following 1994's "Reality Bites" and 1996's "The Cable Guy," starring Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick. The actor starred in the film alongside several comedy all-stars, like Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell. The movie also features Christine Taylor, Stiller's real-life wife.

The Apple TV+ workplace drama "Severance" was part of a surprise appearance by Ben Stiller and Tramell Tillman at a screening of "Zoolander," in the form of a marching band.