(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Ben Stiller was almost forced off the set of his directorial debut Zoolander after going over schedule.

The comedian starred, directed and co-wrote the 2001 cult classic, and is now planning a follow up. However, Ben has admitted that filming the comedy wasn't such a big laugh.

"I think we went ten days over schedule - we knew we were going to go over, but they had the completion bond guy (on standby), who can legally come in and take over the movie," he told Empire magazine. "It was like, Really? This guy's going to come in and direct Zoolander?' It was a funny experience, in retrospect. I do remember thinking that moviemaking shouldn't be this hard. Especially when you're dealing with those issues while wearing eye shadow and a wig!"

However, the film went on to be a huge success. And Ben admits he is stunned by the reaction the comedy still receives from fans.

"I feel like it hasn't stopped," he added. "I've never experienced that with a movie. I would never, in a million years, have thought that I would be talking about the movie ten years later. I'm excited about the idea of doing it (the sequel). It feels like it's getting close to going." (C) Cover Media