I'm better than Hansel and the rest.
Derek was signed by a talent agency. Following his inspiration originally paid off, as he won three consecutive modeling awards. However, by 2001 his star had faded to Hansel, a new up-and-comer. Zoolander was recruited by Jacobim Mugatu whom his agent Maury Ballstein encouraged to take the modeling job as it could be a chance to revive his career. Unknown to Derek, this was a sham to hypnotize Derek into assassinating the Prime Minister of Malaysia.