‘Zoolander 2’ trailer: Ben Stiller ponders mysteries of the universe

Who knew Derek Zoolander was so existential?

The first trailer for “Zoolander 2” has strutted down the runway, offering a peek at director-star Ben Stiller’s return as the pea-brained but “really, really ridiculously good-looking” male model.

The two-minute teaser begins at the beginning — that is, with the Big Bang and the creation of the universe — as a Stephen Hawking sound-alike narrates the formation of infinite galaxies, the birth of life on Earth and, finally, the evolution of the human brain.

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This particular brain, rendered as a web of interconnected synapses, gives the first hints that we’re back in Zoolander’s world. It’s full of incorrect equations (“3 + 4 = 34”), nonsense words (“eugoogly”) and other references to the first film (a “no-left-turn” sign).

Eventually, Zoolander appears in all his leopard-print glory, pondering a question for the ages: “If God exists, then why did he make ugly people?” (Cue his trademark Blue Steel face.)

In true teaser fashion, the video doesn’t reveal anything about the plot of “Zoolander 2,” which is probably just as well. As with the original 2001 film — a modest box-office performer that became a cult hit over the years — the sequel’s story will likely function as an armature on which to hang plenty of smart-dumb gags, over-the-top outfits and splashy celebrity cameos.

Expectations will be higher this time around, and it remains to be seen whether the first movie’s cult appeal will translate to sequel success after all these years. Then again, they say fashion is cyclical.

Paramount Pictures will release “Zoolander 2” on Feb. 12.

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