Ben Stiller recently opened up about the profound impact the failure of “Zoolander 2” had on his career and personal growth. In a candid conversation on David Duchovny’s new podcast, “Fail Better,” Stiller reflected on the unexpected commercial and critical reception of the 2016 sequel, which he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in. Despite the success of the original 2001 film, the follow-up grossed only $29 million domestically against its $50 million budget, a setback that led Stiller to question his comedic instincts.

Stiller shared his initial shock and subsequent self-doubt with Duchovny, revealing how the experience forced him into a period of introspection. “It was definitely blindsiding to me. And it definitely affected me for a long time,” Stiller admitted. This introspection, however, proved to be a creative boon. The space created by the film’s lack of success allowed him to explore and develop projects that were not necessarily comedic, diverging from the path he might have followed had the sequel been a hit.

This pivot led Stiller to direct the critically acclaimed crime drama “Escape at Dannemora” in 2018, earning him a Directors Guild Award and an Emmy nomination. In 2022, he continued to impress with his direction and production of the Emmy-nominated series “Severance.”

Duchovny’s podcast, set to premiere on May 7, promises to explore themes of failure and its influence on personal and professional lives, featuring guests like Sean Penn and Sarah Silverman. Stiller’s opening episode not only marks a reunion of the “Zoolander” stars but also sets the stage for in-depth discussions about overcoming setbacks and redefining success.

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