After many starts and stops, and plenty of whispers that production was heating up, the long-awaited sequel Zoolander 2 is officially moving forward with Penélope Cruz joining the cast.

It's been nearly 14 years since the first Zoolander hit theaters in 2001. Star Ben Stiller is set to reprise his role as male model Derek Zoolander, and will direct this time out from a script by Justin Theroux. Owen Wilson is expected to reprise his role as Derek's rival supermodel and sometimes BFF Hansel, with Will Ferrell confirming months ago that he would be back as the sinister Mugatu.

It's believed that the success of Dumb and Dumber To at the box office this past weekend help Paramount in their decision to push forward on Zoolander 2. Ben Stiller has been attempting to make the sequel for quite sometime. It is not know if Ben Stiller's dad Jerry Stiller, who appeared in the original, will be back, but that is the hope.

Penélope Cruz, known for more serious dramatic work like the recently wrapped Spanish film Ma Ma, will also have a small role in the upcoming Sacha Baron Cohen comedy Grimsby.

Zoolander 2 does not have a set release date just yet, but don't be surprised if it is announced for Christmas 2016, as Ben Stiller seems to be making a stake in the holiday with last year's The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and this year's Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb both opening on Christmas Day.