The cast of Zoolander 2 didn’t hit the red carpet at the New York premiere, they walked the catwalk instead.

Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penelope Cruz and Will Ferrell were all in character as Derek Zoolander, Hansel, Valentina and Mugatu, at the premiere of the fashion-spoof sequel.

Actors Owen Wilson, left, Penelope Cruz, Will Ferrell and Ben Stiller walk the runway in character at the world premiere of "Zoolander 2" at Alice Tully Hall
The Zoolander 2 cast gave real models a run for their money on the premiere catwalk (Evan Agostini/AP)

The gang strutted their stuff at the Lincoln Centre, the previous location of New York Fashion Week.

Asked if he channelled his model alter ego, Ben told People: “Um, well that was Derek, that wasn’t me. When Derek is out there, it isn’t me and he channels something from higher, you know? It’s just like a pure inner beauty that he channels that I can’t take any responsibility for.”

Jennifer Aniston’s husband Justin Theroux, who wrote the script, also dressed as his character, the Evil DJ, while models Gigi Hadid and Stella Maxwell also strutted their stuff on the catwalk red carpet as part of the show.

Justin Theroux as the Evil DJ on the runway
Justin Theroux as the Evil DJ on the runway (Evan Agostini/AP)

He clearly brought two outfits to the premiere though, and was dressed in a respectable suit to take pictures with Jen.

Jennifer Aniston, left, and Justin Theroux attend the world premiere of "Zoolander 2" at Alice Tully Hall
Jennifer Aniston hit the catwalk to support her husband (Evan Agostini/AP)

The movie also features cameos from stars and models including Justin Bieber, Anna Wintour, Karlie Kloss and Cara Delevingne.

Zoolander 2 is in UK cinemas now.