On August 27, 2025, the bustling streets of New York City became the backdrop for a moment that captured headlines and hearts alike: Anne Hathaway, the Oscar-winning actress reprising her role as Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada 2, took an unexpected tumble down a set of stairs while filming. The incident, caused by a snapped high heel, was quickly overshadowed by Hathaway’s graceful recovery and infectious humor, as she hopped up, threw her arms in the air, and declared, “I’m fine!” The mishap, which occurred during a scene in a residential neighborhood, has ignited a social media frenzy, with fans marveling at her resilience and speculating about the sequel’s plot. As The Devil Wears Prada 2 continues to generate excitement ahead of its May 2026 release, Hathaway’s fall—whether scripted or accidental—has only amplified the anticipation for this long-awaited follow-up to the 2006 fashion classic.

A Fashionable Fall in the Big Apple

The incident took place on a sunlit New York City stoop, where Hathaway, dressed in character as the now-seasoned Andy Sachs, was filming a scene for the highly anticipated sequel. Clad in a chic knee-length black pleated skirt, a sheer plaid top over a black tank, and silver-studded strappy heels, she epitomized the high-fashion aesthetic that defined the original The Devil Wears Prada. But as she descended the steps, one of her heels snapped, sending her tumbling onto her backside with one leg awkwardly tucked beneath her. A prop in her hand—possibly a coffee cup or magazine, a nod to Andy’s Runway days—shattered on the steps, adding to the chaos. Crew members rushed to assist, but Hathaway was already on her feet, laughing off the mishap with a playful pose and a shouted reassurance that she was unharmed.

The moment, captured by paparazzi and onlookers, quickly went viral, flooding platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram with images and videos. Fans praised Hathaway’s professionalism, with one X user posting, “Anne Hathaway falling down stairs and still serving looks? Iconic.” Another quipped, “If Andy Sachs can survive Miranda Priestly, a broken heel is nothing!” The lighthearted reaction contrasted with the intense scrutiny surrounding the film’s production, which has been a public spectacle in New York all summer. While some outlets speculated the fall was staged for the scene—perhaps a comedic beat for Andy’s return to the chaotic world of fashion—most reports, including those from Just Jared and TMZ, lean toward it being an accident, given the spontaneity and Hathaway’s quick recovery.

The Devil Wears Prada 2: A Sequel in the Spotlight

The Devil Wears Prada 2, set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026, reunites the core cast of the 2006 original, which grossed $326.7 million worldwide and became a cultural touchstone for its sharp wit and iconic fashion. Meryl Streep returns as the formidable Miranda Priestly, editor-in-chief of Runway magazine, with Emily Blunt as the sharp-tongued Emily Charlton, now an executive at a luxury brand conglomerate, and Stanley Tucci as the ever-charming Nigel. Directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna, both returning from the original, the sequel explores a modern media landscape where Runway faces decline, forcing Miranda to navigate new challenges while Andy, now a seasoned journalist, crosses paths with her former boss.

The plot remains tightly under wraps, but set photos have offered tantalizing clues. Hathaway has been spotted in bold outfits, including a Gabriela Hearst dress and a bucket hat near a Hampton Jitney bus, suggesting Andy’s journey may take her to the Hamptons. A fake Met Gala scene and a funeral sequence with Hathaway and Tucci have fueled speculation—some fans even wondered if Miranda Priestly dies, though Streep’s confirmed presence makes this unlikely. New cast members, including Kenneth Branagh as Miranda’s husband, Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, Pauline Chalamet, Simone Ashley, and comedians Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, and Conrad Ricamora, promise fresh dynamics. The film’s public filming in Manhattan, from Midtown to residential stoops, has turned it into a social media phenomenon, with fans like 25-year-old Keyna Sarr telling The New York Times, “This movie is what New York is for me.”

Hathaway’s fall has only added to the buzz, echoing a memorable scene from the original where Andy, still a fashion novice, struggled with Miranda’s demands. The mishap recalls the 2006 film’s improvised stairwell scene with Miranda’s twin daughters, which took three days to perfect, hinting that the sequel may lean into similar comedic chaos. Whether the tumble was scripted or not, it’s a fitting nod to Andy’s journey from klutz to confidante, now navigating a world where her newfound polish is tested by Runway’s unrelenting glamour.

Hathaway’s Resilience and Star Power

At 42, Anne Hathaway remains a Hollywood powerhouse, with an Oscar for Les Misérables and a string of hits like The Intern and Ocean’s 8. Her return as Andy Sachs is a full-circle moment, given the original film’s role in catapulting her to stardom. Despite the physical stumble, Hathaway’s handling of the incident showcased her comedic timing and relatability, qualities that endeared her to audiences in 2006. Videos show her laughing, striking a playful pose, and even munching on a bagel with cream cheese between takes, embodying Andy’s grounded charm amidst the fashion world’s chaos. “Anne falling and still being fabulous is peak Andy Sachs energy,” one fan posted on X.

The incident also highlights the physical demands of filming in New York’s unpredictable streets. Hathaway’s outfit, complete with high heels and a string of pearls, reflects the meticulous costume design by Patricia Field, who avoided mimicking Anna Wintour in the original but created a distinct style for Miranda and her team. The sequel’s fashion, already critiqued online for being “too familiar,” remains a focal point, with Hathaway’s silver-studded heels—before they snapped—drawing praise for their bold flair. Her ability to shrug off the fall mirrors her approach to the role: in a 2022 The View interview, she expressed doubts about a sequel due to the shift from print to digital media but embraced the project’s “tempting” potential, proving her commitment to Andy’s evolution.

Social Media and the Spoiler Debate

The viral nature of Hathaway’s fall underscores the double-edged sword of The Devil Wears Prada 2’s public production. Filming in New York has made the sequel a social media spectacle, with paparazzi and fans capturing every moment, from Streep’s imperious struts to Blunt’s fiery red locks. Outlets like Vogue and Marie Claire have lamented the flood of set photos, arguing they ruin the cinematic experience for spoiler-averse fans. “I don’t want to see any more Devil Wears Prada 2 costumes until I’m in the theater,” Marie Claire declared. Yet, the images fuel excitement, with TikTok and Instagram abuzz with fan theories about Andy’s arc and the mysterious funeral scene.

Hathaway’s tumble has become a memeable moment, with X users joking, “Anne Hathaway falling is the most relatable thing Andy Sachs has done since throwing her phone in a fountain.” Others see it as a marketing win, amplifying the film’s visibility in a crowded 2026 slate that includes Toy Story 5 and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The original film’s success, driven by Fox’s “counter-programming” against Superman Returns, suggests Disney and 20th Century Studios are banking on similar buzz to make the sequel a hit, despite a post-pandemic theatrical market where films need $600-$700 million to break even.

Challenges and Expectations

The Devil Wears Prada 2 faces high stakes. The original’s $326.7 million gross and cultural impact—spawning memes and quotes like “That’s all”—set a lofty bar. The sequel must recapture the first film’s smart dialogue and emotional depth while updating its print-magazine premise for a digital age. Hathaway herself noted the challenge in 2022, saying, “Everything has gone so digital, and that movie centered around producing a physical thing.” The plot’s focus on Runway’s decline and Emily’s rise at a luxury conglomerate suggests a modern take, but fan skepticism persists. “I hope they don’t ruin the magic,” one X user posted, echoing concerns about sequels diluting beloved originals.

The public nature of filming adds pressure. Criticism of the sequel’s fashion choices—some fans called Andy’s Gabriela Hearst dress “too safe”—mirrors backlash to early leaks from other projects, like Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story. Disney’s $1 billion theatrical losses in 2023, with films like The Marvels flopping, underscore the need for a hit. With a $100-$150 million budget (typical for a high-profile sequel), The Devil Wears Prada 2 likely needs $400-$500 million to succeed, a feasible goal given the original’s global appeal and the star power of Streep, Hathaway, and Blunt.

A Moment That Defines the Sequel’s Spirit

Hathaway’s fall, whether accidental or staged, encapsulates the sequel’s blend of humor, chaos, and resilience. It mirrors Andy Sachs’ journey from the original—a fish out of water who stumbled but thrived in Runway’s high-stakes world. The incident has humanized the production, reminding fans of the real people behind the glamour. “Anne laughing off a fall in heels is why we love her,” one fan tweeted, while another noted, “If this is in the movie, it’s going to be comedy gold.” The moment also nods to the original’s improvisational spirit, like the stairwell scene with Miranda’s twins, suggesting the sequel will lean into unscripted charm.

As The Devil Wears Prada 2 continues filming, with new cast members like Lucy Liu and Kenneth Branagh adding intrigue, Hathaway’s tumble has become a defining anecdote. It’s a reminder that even in the polished world of fashion, accidents happen—and stars like Hathaway can turn a stumble into a moment of triumph. With its May 2026 release looming, the sequel is already a cultural event, fueled by nostalgia, star power, and a viral fall that proves Andy Sachs is still the relatable hero fans adore.

Conclusion

Anne Hathaway’s stair tumble on the The Devil Wears Prada 2 set is more than a blooper—it’s a testament to her resilience and the sequel’s chaotic charm. As Andy Sachs navigates a new chapter in a declining Runway empire, Hathaway’s real-life grace under pressure mirrors her character’s growth. The incident, captured across social media, has amplified excitement for a film that promises to blend the original’s wit with modern stakes. With Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and a stellar new cast, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is poised to dominate 2026, proving that even a broken heel can’t stop Andy—or Anne—from stealing the show. Whether the fall makes the final cut or not, it’s already a fashionably unforgettable moment in a sequel that’s anything but ordinary