Twenty years after infiltrating the high-stakes world of Runway magazine, audiences are poised to return to the glamorous and cutthroat fashion industry. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is set to hit theaters May 1st, bringing back Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway for a sequel that promises to explore the challenges facing the magazine world in a rapidly changing media landscape. The anticipation surrounding the film is already palpable, fueled by recent trailers and glimpses of the star-studded cast.
The original 2006 film, based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel of the same name, became a cultural touchstone, sparking conversations about workplace dynamics and the pressures of the fashion industry. The film grossed over $326 million worldwide, cementing its place in cinematic history. Now, Disney and 20th Century Studios are betting on a successful return to this beloved story, with David Frankel returning to direct and Aline Brosh McKenna penning the screenplay.
Initial reluctance from both Streep and Hathaway to reprise their iconic roles has given way to enthusiastic participation. The sequel will not directly follow the plot of Weisberger’s 2013 follow-up novel, Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns, instead forging a modern narrative path for Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs.
Who’s Returning to Runway?
Meryl Streep is once again embodying the formidable Miranda Priestly, and Anne Hathaway will reprise her role as Andy Sachs. Emily Blunt will also return as Emily Charlton, Miranda’s devoted (and often stressed) assistant, and Stanley Tucci is back as Nigel Kipling, Runway’s art director. Tracie Thoms (Lily) and Tibor Feldman (Irv Ravitz) are also confirmed to reprise their roles, adding familiar faces to the mix.
The cast is bolstered by several new additions, including Kenneth Branagh as the latest Mr. Miranda Priestley, and Justin Theroux in an as-yet-undisclosed role described as “forward-leaning, rich and stupid.” Simone Ashley, Lucy Liu, B.J. Novak, Pauline Chalamet, Rachel Bloom, and Patrick Brammall are also joining the cast in unspecified roles. Adding to the film’s star power, cameos from Sydney Sweeney, Donatella Versace, and Lady Gaga are reportedly in the works, reflecting the fashion-centric nature of the story.
What’s the Plot of The Devil Wears Prada 2?
While details remain scarce, the premise centers around Andy Sachs’ unexpected return to the world of Runway. She’s now tasked with becoming the magazine’s Features Editor, a role crucial to securing Runway’s future in a shifting media landscape. The plot will witness Andy teaming up with Miranda and reconnecting with Emily, who now heads a luxury wellness brand that could potentially save the magazine. The teasers suggest a dynamic where Miranda, characteristically, has no recollection of Andy or Emily’s previous tenures at Runway.
A forty-second teaser trailer released in December offered a brief glimpse of Streep and Hathaway back in their roles. A more substantial trailer, released in February, showcased the reunion between Miranda and Andy, as well as Emily and Nigel, and quickly garnered over 220 million views in its first 24 hours, becoming the studio’s most-watched trailer to date. Watch the trailer here.
Beyond the Novel: An Original Story
While the sequel builds upon the foundation laid by Lauren Weisberger’s original novel and its 2013 follow-up, Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns, the film appears to be charting its own course. The film doesn’t appear to directly adapt the plot of Revenge Wears Prada, which focuses on Andy’s wedding planning and a reunion with Miranda a decade after the events of the first book. Similarly, Weisberger’s 2018 novel, When Life Gives You Lululemons, which centers on Emily Charlton, doesn’t seem to have significantly influenced the sequel’s narrative.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is shaping up to be a fresh, original story that revisits familiar characters and explores the evolving world of fashion journalism.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is scheduled for release in theaters on May 1st. As the release date approaches, expect further details about the plot, cameos, and the challenges facing Runway magazine in the modern era. The film promises to be a stylish and engaging continuation of a beloved story, offering a glimpse into the ever-changing world of fashion and the complex relationships that define it.
What are your expectations for the sequel? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
