The 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, directed by David Frankel and based on Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling novel, is a modern classic that has left an indelible mark on pop culture.
With its sharp dialogue, memorable performances, and an insider look at the high-fashion industry, the movie has garnered a massive fanbase over the years. As whispers of a sequel start to circulate, fans are eagerly awaiting more details.
Here’s everything we know so far about the much-anticipated follow-up to this beloved film.
The Original Success
Upon its release, The Devil Wears Prada was an instant hit. It follows the story of Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), a recent college graduate who lands a job as an assistant to the formidable Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the editor-in-chief of the fictional fashion magazine Runway.
The film portrays Andy’s transformation from a naïve and disheveled newcomer to a sophisticated and competent professional, all while navigating the high-pressure world of fashion.
The movie was not only a box office success, grossing over $326 million worldwide, but it also received critical acclaim.
Meryl Streep’s performance as Miranda Priestly earned her a 14th Academy Award nomination, and the film became a cultural touchstone, known for its iconic fashion moments and quotable lines.
Its success even led to a stage musical adaptation featuring Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly, which is currently running on London’s West End.
Is The Devil Wears Prada 2 Officially Happening?
Despite the strong desire for a sequel among fans, there has been no official announcement from Disney regarding the development of The Devil Wears Prada 2.
However, sources like Puck and Deadline have reported that a sequel is indeed in the early stages of development. This has sparked widespread speculation and excitement about what direction the story could take and which original cast members might return.
Potential Plo t of The Sequel
One of the most intriguing aspects of the potential sequel is how it will adapt to the changes in the media landscape since the original film was released.
According to reports, the sequel will focus on the challenges facing print media in the 21st century. Meryl Streep’s character, Miranda Priestly, is expected to grapple with the decline of traditional magazine publishing. This storyline would reflect the real-world struggles of print media companies in an increasingly digital world.
The sequel might see Miranda Priestly at the end of her illustrious career, forced to confront the changing dynamics of the industry. Meanwhile, Emily Blunt’s character, Emily Charlton, is now a high-powered executive at a luxury brand conglomerate that advertises with Runway.
The film explores the power struggle between Miranda and Emily as they navigate their professional and personal relationships in this new digital era.
Another potential plot angle comes from Lauren Weisberger’s follow-up novel, Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns.
This book, released in 2013, takes place nearly a decade after the original and sees Andy and Emily coming together as top magazine editors. Miranda, once again, plays a significant role in their lives, leading to new conflicts and resolutions. Whether the film will follow this storyline or develop an entirely new narrative remains to be seen.
Returning Cast Members
The prospect of reuniting the original cast is one of the most exciting elements of the potential sequel. Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci are all in talks to reprise their iconic roles.
The chemistry and dynamic performances of these actors were a major factor in the original film’s success, and their return would undoubtedly be a significant draw for audiences.
Anne Hathaway, who played the protagonist Andy Sachs, has expressed mixed feelings about a sequel. In a 2022 interview on The View, Hathaway noted the significant changes in the media industry, stating, “I just think that movie was in a different era. Everything has gone so digital, and that movie centered around the concept of producing a physical thing.”
Despite her reservations, Hathaway acknowledged the appeal of revisiting the characters, imagining scenarios where Andy and Emily have to fetch coffee for Miranda while navigating new digital challenges.
Emily Blunt, who portrayed the sharp-tongued and ambitious Emily Charlton, has also had her doubts about a sequel.
On the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Blunt mentioned that while the idea is tempting, some things are better left untouched. “Sometimes things should be cherished and preserved in this bubble, and it’s okay,” she said. However, she has also expressed a willingness to return if the entire original cast is on board.
Stanley Tucci, who played the loyal and witty art director Nigel, is another key figure whose return would be highly anticipated. His character’s mentorship of Andy was one of the highlights of the original film, providing both comic relief and poignant moments. While there is no official confirmation yet, fans are hopeful that Tucci will reprise his role.
Production and Direction
The original creative team behind The Devil Wears Prada is also in discussions to return for the sequel. Wendy Finerman, who produced the 2006 film, is set to return.
David Frankel, the original director, and Aline Brosh McKenna, the screenwriter, are also expected to come back. Their involvement would ensure that the sequel maintains the same tone and quality that made the first film so beloved.
In celebration of the film’s 15th anniversary in 2021, Frankel and McKenna spoke about the potential for a sequel. Frankel mentioned that there had been discussions about a follow-up, but they felt that the story had been told. However, the changing landscape of the magazine industry presents a fresh angle that could make the sequel relevant and engaging.
McKenna added that exploring the world of magazines in the digital age would be an interesting direction for the sequel. “Magazines and publishing have changed so much,” she said. “This is a period of time where [Andy] took a physical book to someone’s house every day so she could leaf through it. Maybe they still do that, but I doubt it. It had its moment!”
What The Original Cast Has Said About a Sequel?
While the main cast members have fond memories of making the original film, they have also expressed some hesitancy about a sequel.
Anne Hathaway has noted the significant changes in the industry and questioned whether a continuation of the story would be relevant. In an interview with Extra in April 2024, she said, “I wouldn’t hold out too much hope” for a sequel. She also told E! News that she didn’t think a continuation of the story would likely happen.
Emily Blunt has been more ambivalent about the idea. In an interview with PEOPLE in April 2018, she said that while she would be up for a sequel if everyone else was, she almost hoped it wouldn’t happen because sequels can sometimes dilute the original’s special quality.
However, she also noted in a 2022 appearance on The View that she would do a sequel in a heartbeat just to work with the original cast again.
When Can We Expect The Sequel?
As of now, there is no confirmed release date for The Devil Wears Prada sequel. The project is still in its early stages, and details about the screenplay and production schedule remain under wraps.
Given the complexities of coordinating the schedules of high-profile actors and the need to develop a compelling script, it may be some time before the sequel reaches theaters.
Where to Watch The Original?
For those looking to revisit the original film, The Devil Wears Prada is available for streaming on platforms like Max, Hulu, and Prime Video with premium subscriptions.
The film’s enduring popularity makes it a perfect rewatch, especially for fans eager to refresh their memories before the potential sequel.
Takeaways
The prospect of a sequel to The Devil Wears Prada is both exciting and nostalgic for fans of the original film. While there are still many unknowns, the potential for revisiting the glamorous yet cutthroat world of high-fashion publishing is tantalizing.
The involvement of the original cast and creative team, combined with a storyline that reflects the current challenges of the media industry, promises to make the sequel a compelling continuation of the beloved classic.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and in the meantime, you can always rewatch the original to get your Runway fix.
The information is taken from Sky News and Deadline