Watch the original version of Zoolander
Derek Zoolander had been a successful male model for a number of years, with a string of ad campaigns, magazine covers, and international runways to his name. He was living a life of fame and luxury, jetting all over the world to photoshoots and shows. He had fame, money, and everything he could ever want.
But life had taken an unexpected turn for the worse. His agent had stopped taking his calls, his friends had abandoned him, and he could no longer get a job. He had been forgotten, and he was no longer a valued member of the industry. Feeling lost, Derek decided to take a break from the rat race and retreat to his small home town, where he could relax and get away from it all.
The first few weeks back home were blissful, and Derek was feeling more relaxed than he had in a long time. He was able to spend time with friends, enjoy the simple things, and be present in the moment. But this state of peace didn’t last long.
Evil fashion guru Mugatu had heard of Derek’s plight and decided to take advantage of his vulnerable state. Mugatu offered Derek a job — to be the new face of his fashion line. Ecstatic, Derek accepted the offer without hesitation. He thought his life had turned around, and he was back on his way to success. Little did he know that Mugatu had other plans in store for him.
Mugatu had actually brainwashed Derek to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia. He had used a technique to access Derek’s subconscious and manipulate his mind, leaving him completely unaware of what was happening. Derek’s friends had no idea and didn’t know how to help him.
Derek was on track to complete his mission and carry out Mugatu’s orders — until he stumbled across a stunning fashion shoot that was being done by one of his former friends, Hansel. Derek couldn’t help but be drawn in by the beauty of the shoot, and he decided to rejoin his old crew.
With the help of his friends, Derek was able to break the mind control and reclaim his agency. He was able to stop the assassination plot and protect the Prime Minister. With his newfound freedom, Derek began to look forward to a new chapter in life — one that didn’t involve being a puppet for Mugatu.
Derek had learned an important lesson. Life is unpredictable and things can change in an instant. He didn’t know what the future held, but he was determined to make the most of it. With the help of his friends, Derek was ready to start a new journey — one with a lot more joy and less drama.
FADE IN:
EXT. FIELD – DAY
The sun is rising on a lush, green field. The birds chirping fills the air as DEEK ZOOLANDER (30), a male model, stares off into the horizon.
ZOOLANDER:
Where did all my friends go? I feel like my life as a model is over.
EXT. FASHION SHOW – DAY
The runway is full of bustling models and fashion aficionados. Zoolander walks timidly, his gaze downcast.
MUGATU (V.O.):
Ah, Zoolander. I have been expecting you.
Zoolander turns to see MUGATU (40), a nefarious fashion guru staring at him.
MUGATU:
I have a proposition for you. Come, let us talk.
INT. MUGATU’S OFFICE – DAY
Mugatu is seated in a lavish office. Zoolander looks around and catches a glimpse of a poster with the Prime Minister of Malaysia on it.
MUGATU:
What I am offering you is a chance to be the star of my latest show. Not only that, but you will get to strut the runway in front of some of the most powerful people in the fashion industry.
ZOOLANDER:
I don’t know…
MUGATU:
Come now, Zoolander. It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Zoolander pauses, considering the offer.
ZOOLANDER:
OK. I’ll do it.
Mugatu nods and hands Zoolander a glass of water.
MUGATU:
Here, drink this.
Zoolander hesitates but then takes a sip. Suddenly his vision goes blurry and he passes out.
EXT. RUNWAY – DAY
Zoolander is standing in the middle of the runway, surrounded by cameras and a sold-out audience. He is confused and disoriented.
MUGATU (V.O.):
Zoolander! Come to me!
Mugatu is standing at the end of the runway, beckoning Zoolander.
MUGATU:
You have been brainwashed. I have programmed you to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
The audience gasps as Zoolander stares back with horror.
MUGATU:
You will do my bidding. Or else.
With that, Zoolander turns and runs off the runway.
EXT. STREET – DAY
Zoolander is running through the streets, desperate to find help. He ducks into an alleyway and calls out for his friends, but there is no answer.
ZOOLANDER:
Where are you?! I need your help!
Suddenly, a voice comes from behind him.
HANNAH (O.S):
I’m here.
Zoolander turns to see HANNAH (25), a childhood friend. She is accompanied by MATT (25), another model. They both embrace Zoolander.
MATT:
We heard what happened. We’re here to help.
EXT. ROOFTOP – DAY
The group is standing on a rooftop, surrounded by a sea of city lights.
MATT:
We have a plan. We know a journalist who can expose Mugatu’s plot. All we need is for you to get the evidence.
ZOOLANDER:
I can do it.
HANNAH:
Good. Now go and get the proof. We’ll meet up at the journalist’s office tomorrow.
EXT. OFFICE BUILDING – DAY
Zoolander sneaks into the building and finds himself in a dark hallway. He hears a voice coming from a nearby room. He creeps closer and sees Mugatu speaking to two bodyguards.
MUGATU:
The Prime Minister must be killed. I have already programmed Zoolander to carry out the deed.
Zoolander gasps, and then quickly moves away before he is seen.
EXT. JOURNALIST’S OFFICE – DAY
Zoolander meets up with his friends and the journalist at her office. He hands over the evidence.
ZOOLANDER:
This should be enough.
The journalist nods in agreement and sets to work.
EXT. ROOFTOP – NIGHT
The group is once again standing on the rooftop, only this time the city lights are illuminated.
HANNAH:
Well, that was close.
MATT:
You did great, Zoolander. You’re going to be OK.
Zoolander smiles.
ZOOLANDER:
Thanks, guys. I’m ready to start modeling again.
The group cheers and the camera pans out, revealing the city skyline.
FADE OUT.
