Penelope Cruz has signed on for a leading role in the Zoolander sequel.

The film's creator and star Ben Stiller announced the casting news by posting a shot of the Spanish actress as a child on Instagram.com.

He added the caption, "Excited to announce Penelope 'Little Penny' Cruz has joined #Zoolander2 cast!"

Stiller will reprise his role as clueless male model Derek Zoolander in the sequel, which will also feature his original co-star Owen Wilson, and child star Cyrus Arnold, who will play Zoolander's son.

Models Cara Delevingne, Karlie Kloss and Gigi Hadid are expected to play themselves in the comedy.