The Devil Wears Prada was released in 2006; 20 years later, on 1 May 2026, its long-awaited sequel finally arrived. While the film primarily marks the return of its iconic cast — still featuring Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci — does it justify all the media hype? We’ve seen it, and here’s our verdict.
How do you live up to such success? It’s a question we ask ourselves with every sequel to a generation-defining film. But The Devil Wears Prada belongs to another category altogether: films that leave a mark on everyone, across generations. So how do you follow something like that — especially 20 years later, when no sequel was ever planned? We won’t keep you in suspense: The Devil Wears Prada 2 has all the ingredients of a successful sequel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMd1at7OwiE
Noughties nostalgia meets new talent
The first film ended with Andy — played by a 20-year-old Anne Hathaway — tossing her phone away, rejecting the life 'that everyone wants', as Miranda Priestly puts it. Twenty years on, the sequel opens with a far more self-assured Andrea. 'I love that Andy is confident this time,' Anne Hathaway told us during the official press conference we attended. 'In the first film, she was completely lost.'
There’s no dramatic phone-throwing into a fountain this time, but there are still plenty of nods to the original — a sweet hit of nostalgia. Miranda remains true to herself, as do Nigel and Emily. However, 20 years on, Emily is no longer an assistant; she doesn’t even work at Runway anymore, having moved to Dior. Her replacement? A rising talent spotted in season two of Bridgerton: Simone Ashley. Emily makes way for Amari — a choice that has clearly won over the original cast. According to Meryl Streep, 'she’s a perfect Emily'. Emily Blunt agreed with a laugh: 'We’ve been outshone by Simone Ashley’s thoroughbred elegance — she’s a star.'
And what about the pressure of stepping back into such an iconic role? Meryl Streep reflects: 'It’s fun to see these characters in the future and how, like all of us, they’re trying to find their way forward.' Stanley Tucci adds: 'The first film was such a success… we wanted to make sure we lived up to it and stayed true to its tone and characters.' Mission accomplished. Within moments, you’re drawn straight back into that world — the characters fit the actors like a glove, from their expressions to their stilettos. Twenty years later, everything has changed… and yet nothing has.
Beyond the glamour: modern-day issues
Power plays
The film’s aesthetic — extravagant yet immaculate — remains central to The Devil Wears Prada. 'Even my own outfits were criticised,' Anne Hathaway jokes. But while the first film offered an immersion (not far removed from reality) into the fashion world of the 2000s, the sequel portrays a landscape that has changed dramatically over two decades. For Stanley Tucci, that evolution was essential: 'The world is so different now — especially journalism, because of social media, AI, certain governments… and fashion has changed too. The film tackles these issues while showing how the characters deal with them.'
Particularly Andy, who left behind the glamour to pursue her dreams — and, above all, her values. 'She wanted to be an investigative journalist, and she’s achieved it — she’s even won an award! I find it interesting that she’s now at a point in her life where she wonders: ‘Yes, it was incredible, but do I want more? Do I want more power?’'
Because that’s what the film revolves around: power. Who holds it? What is it really for? What value does it have? And what power do journalists truly wield? These are contemporary, relatable questions that resonate in a world in constant flux.
Does the Devil still wear Prada?
Miranda Priestly — the very embodiment of power — must also reassess her position, perhaps even step aside after two decades at the top. Meryl Streep explains:
'Miranda suddenly has to navigate a world where she risks losing control. What I loved in the first film is that you could see how much she loves what she does. It’s not just about being in charge — it’s about a pursuit of beauty and celebrating the very best of human creativity. She sees herself as a curator of culture. Maintaining that — financially as well — is a great source of pride for her. But as the ship begins to falter, she has to make compromises — a word she struggles with. And she realises just how much she depends on the people who have supported her. I don’t think she loses her edge. She remains tough and highly effective. But I love her evolution.'
As for fashion itself, it remains ever-changing and demanding, but it’s evolving for the better. Emily Blunt shares: 'I think fashion has evolved in inspiring ways — just look at how men dress on the red carpet now. I can’t wait to see what they’ll wear, because 20 years ago it was always just a suit. Fashion remains incredibly creative and influential. It’s more inclusive — for all body types and all genders.'
That evolution is clearly reflected in the film — many scenes of which are set in Milan. A deliberate choice supported by Anne Hathaway, who wanted her own version of the 'explosive set-piece' often seen in traditionally male-led films. After Paris, what better setting than the world’s second fashion capital?
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