How is it possible that 20 years have passed since The Devil Wears Prada defined the fashion industry for a generation? Two decades after Miranda Priestly first redefined what it means to be the boss from hell, the high-fashion world of Runway returns to the big screen. While the original film remains a quotable pop culture staple – fueled by Meryl Streep’s iconic performance and a razor-sharp script – this much-anticipated sequel struggles to find its own fit. Despite the gorgeous people wearing fabulous clothes, The Devil Wears Prada 2 ultimately feels like a seasonal trend rather than a timeless classic.
The long-awaited sequel arrives in a totally different media landscape. Print magazines, for the most part, have lost their relevance while digital media thrives. That’s reflected in the sequel’s updated Runway, where clickbait is king and articles are judged on their social media share value. The Devil Wears Prada 2 addresses this new world right off the bat, taking a stand against corporate overlords who devalue the work of professional journalism.
Now, that’s not to say the film gets all preachy about it. It keeps that theme running in the background, opting for a Sermoneta gloves approach rather than a sledgehammer.
All the key players return for the sequel. Anne Hathaway reprises her role as Andy Sachs, now a successful, award-winning journalist who finds herself out of a job, informed via text. Meryl Streep slips back into Miranda Priestly, sliding into Valentino Rockstuds and once again channeling the fashion editor’s demanding diva personality. Emily Blunt returns as Emily, and this time she’s a much bigger player in the fashion industry. Stanley Tucci reprises his role as Nigel, Miranda’s always dependable and patient right-hand man.
Andy’s just as exuberant as Hathaway played her in the original film but much more confident and less likely to compromise her morals in the sequel. Nigel’s still an all-around decent human being, and if he’s disappointed in never advancing, he hides it well. Nigel is the heart and soul of Runway, and Tucci’s performance reminds us why he was so beloved in the first film. Emily Blunt’s Emily is the most transformed of the quartet we grew to love, following an ambitious path that veers into villainous territory.
Meryl Streep’s return as the head of Runway is the biggest draw here, but this version of Miranda feels surprisingly declawed. The Miranda Priestly of the past could dismantle an ego with a silent, cold glare, the tight pursing of her lips, or dismissive silence. In this sequel, the fierce icon feels neutered, lacking the effortless authority that once made her the most feared woman in fashion.
The film spends too much time trying to make Andy’s new boyfriend happen, but the romance never quite works. Andy’s new romantic relationship just doesn’t provide the emotional payoff it should, given that it’s a substantial subplot. And that unnecessary focus on romance comes at the expense of the more entertaining duos: the prickly rivalry/grudging friendship between Andy and Emily, and the conspiratorial camaraderie between Andy and Nigel.
Visually, the film is stunning. The couture is breathtaking, the production design captures the world of high fashion, and the acting is unquestionably excellent across the board. It’s the dialogue that falls short. Where the original thrived on lines that cut like a diamond, the sequel’s script feels noticeably duller. 20 years in, fans can still recite Miranda’s “cerulean sweater” monologue. The Devil Wears Prada 2 lacks that lingering bite that makes you want to quote the film two decades later. Audiences are going to struggle to recall a single standout line from this sequel.
That’s not the only frustration with the dialogue. The sharp wit has been replaced by a sharper, more mean-spirited vibe. Miranda 2006’s verbal attacks felt like calculated lessons in excellence. Every word was chosen for its impact. The sequel’s barbs are significantly darker and don’t approach the bar set by Miranda’s 2006 takedowns.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 offers a stylish trip down memory lane, but the emotional connection to the original foursome isn’t there this time. It’s enjoyable enough, but just being fun doesn’t cut it when the original is so well-loved. Ultimately, the sequel proves it’s impossible to recreate a classic simply by adding more accessories.
GRADE: C+
Rating: PG-13 for some suggestive references and strong language
Runtime: 1 hour 59 minutes
Release Date: May 1, 2026
Directed By: David Frankel
Studio: 20th Century Studios
