Ben Stiller stands by "Zoolander 2" in controversial defense

In a recent episode of 'Hot Ones', Ben Stiller discussed the underwhelming reception of 'Zoolander 2', emphasizing his surprise at the harsh criticism the film received. Released in 2016, the movie garnered a dismal 22% approval rating from critics and a mere 20% from audience members on Rotten Tomatoes. Stiller noted the subjective nature of film criticism, stating that he often finds it perplexing when critics favor or disparage a movie. He admitted that he believed the film didn't deserve such a poor reception. Additionally, Stiller reflected on how the film's failure could have derailed his creative pursuits, explaining that it allowed him to focus on personal projects like directing, for which he had long been yearning. Stiller also shared an amusing anecdote about delivering a speech to the MPAA when they challenged the film's PG-13 rating due to an initially proposed 'goat orgy' scene, which eventually was not included in the final cut. The speech highlighted how he aimed to argue that other films contained far worse content, with the primary goal of preserving the comedic quality of his work. His comments come in the context of his recent return to lead roles, as Stiller had not starred in a primary film role for seven years prior to his latest project, 'Nutcrackers'. Stiller's reflection represents a complex relationship many creators have with their work's public reception, illustrating how such experiences can both hinder and facilitate growth in artistic endeavors.