Ben Stiller, renowned for his dynamic film career, candidly discusses the challenges following the flop of “Zoolander 2” and shares insights into the development of his current series “Severance.”
By John Adams
“Zoolander 2” – An Unexpected Setback
Stiller was shocked by the poor performance of “Zoolander 2” at the box office. The sequel to the cult classic failed to meet high expectations and received predominantly negative reviews. “I thought everyone was waiting for this,” Stiller expressed in an interview, admitting that the flop led to a long period of self-reflection and deeply affected his confidence in his comedic instincts and filmmaking role.
Reorientation and Creative Hiatus
Following the failure, Stiller took the opportunity to reassess and focus on other creative projects outside the comedy genre. This period of introspection allowed him to explore new ideas and formats without the pressure to immediately produce more comedies. “It gave me the space I needed to question myself and my artistic ambitions,” Stiller noted, highlighting the personal growth that came from confronting his professional setbacks.
“Severance” – A New Chapter
Stiller then turned to producing the series “Severance,” which airs on Apple TV+. Quickly becoming a fan favorite, the series, set in a dystopian scenario, has been renewed for a second season. “Severance” offers a dark yet captivating look at work-life balance and showcases Stiller’s skills as a director and producer capable of handling more serious themes.
Continuation Amidst Strikes
The production of “Severance” Season 2 faced delays due to Hollywood strikes, causing fans to patiently await new episodes. Despite these challenges, Stiller and his team remain committed to continuing the story and bringing the series to a satisfying conclusion. The anticipation and engagement from viewers underscore the quality and relevance of Stiller’s recent work.
Ben Stiller’s career has been marked by both highs and lows, but his dedication and ability to reinvent himself have allowed him to continue making significant contributions to the film and television landscape. With “Severance,” he has entered a new creative territory that confirms his versatility and profound artistic influence.
Based on content from www.ew.com