Twenty years after the original film became a cultural touchstone, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” hit theaters May 1 with striking success.
Directed once again by David Frankel and produced on a reported $100 million budget, the long-awaited sequel opened to an impressive $234 million worldwide in its first weekend.
The sequel reunites the franchise’s core cast—Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci—bringing audiences back into the ruthless, fashion-driven world they made iconic.
Joining the ensemble are Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux and Kenneth Branagh, adding fresh star power to the updated story.
The screenplay was co-written by Aline Brosh McKenna and Lauren Weisberger, who penned the original as well.
Set two decades after the events of the first film, the story finds Andy Sachs (Hathaway) now a respected, award-winning investigative journalist working at The New York Vanguard.
Her professional triumph is abruptly undercut when, moments before she accepts a major journalism award to a standing ovation, she learns that her entire newsroom has been laid off via text message — a stark commentary on the ongoing collapse of legacy media.Meanwhile, Miranda Priestly (Streep) faces a crisis of her own.
The formidable editor-in-chief is engulfed in controversy after failing to properly vet a Runway story that sparks public backlash.
As print journalism and fashion publishing continue to struggle, Runway finds itself fighting to retain readers and advertisers alike. Its future hangs in the balance.
Andy’s return to Runway marks both a narrative and nostalgic homecoming.
Re-entering her former workplace proves to be an entertaining escape, filled with callbacks to the original film, including a clever remix of her infamous blue, cerulean sweater and a trip back to Milan, the global hub of fashion and design.
While the sequel may not surpass its predecessor’s cultural impact, it delivers enough warmth, wit and familiarity to satisfy audiences.
The film also succeeds in translating modern fashion sensibilities to the screen. The production’s attention to wardrobe is evident throughout, particularly in the commanding looks worn by Miranda and Nigel (Tucci), whose sharply tailored ensembles underscore the authority and status their characters have earned. In blending contemporary themes with beloved characters, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” offers a stylish, timely continuation of a modern classic.
Grade: A –
