The streets of New York City have once again become the backdrop for high fashion, high stakes, and high drama as The Devil Wears Prada 2 continues filming. Nearly two decades after the original 2006 film sashayed into our hearts, the sequel is shaping up to be a cultural event that has fans buzzing with anticipation—and speculation. The latest set photos, snapped in Central Park on August 20, 2025, have sent shockwaves through the fandom, revealing a somber scene that suggests a major character’s death. Anne Hathaway and Stanley Tucci, reprising their roles as Andrea “Andy” Sachs and Nigel Kipling, were spotted filming what appears to be a funeral, dressed in mournful black and walking arm-in-arm through a cemetery. The question on everyone’s lips: Who has died? Could it be the indomitable Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep, or someone else entirely? The mystery is driving fans wild, and the internet is ablaze with theories.

A Glimpse into the Scene That Shook the Fandom

The images from the set are striking. Anne Hathaway, embodying a more seasoned Andy Sachs, cuts a sophisticated figure in a sleek black dress with a sheer neckline, layered beneath a tailored trench coat. Her long brown hair cascades in soft waves, and she accessorizes with dark sunglasses and a chic handbag, true to the fashion-forward roots of the Devil Wears Prada universe. Beside her, Stanley Tucci’s Nigel, ever the polished art director of Runway magazine, is dapper in a black tuxedo with a patterned tie, leaning on an umbrella for support as they walk together in what appears to be a funeral procession. The mood is palpably heavy, with Hathaway’s Andy leaning on Tucci’s Nigel for comfort, their expressions somber and their body language intimate, hinting at a shared grief.

The setting—a cemetery in Central Park—adds to the intrigue. No casket was visible in the photos, and no other major cast members, such as Meryl Streep or Emily Blunt, were spotted in the scene. This absence has fueled speculation about who might be the departed character. The Devil Wears Prada sequel, set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026, has kept plot details tightly under wraps, but these images have opened the floodgates of fan theories. Social media platforms are buzzing with questions: “Is Miranda dead?!” one fan posted. “Please don’t tell me it’s Miranda’s funeral,” pleaded another. Others have speculated about alternative candidates, with some pointing to Emily Charlton, played by Emily Blunt, or even Irv Ravitz, the chairman of Runway’s parent company, portrayed by Tibor Feldman. The lack of concrete answers only heightens the suspense.

The Return of a Cultural Phenomenon

The original Devil Wears Prada was more than just a movie—it was a cultural juggernaut. Released in 2006, it grossed over $326 million worldwide on a modest budget and cemented itself as a defining comedy of its era. Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Miranda Priestly, the icy editor-in-chief of Runway magazine, became iconic, earning her an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe. Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs, the fish-out-of-water assistant navigating the cutthroat world of high fashion, resonated with audiences as she balanced ambition with authenticity. Stanley Tucci’s Nigel Kipling provided wit and heart, while Emily Blunt’s acerbic Emily Charlton stole scenes with her biting humor. The film’s sharp dialogue, memorable fashion moments (who can forget Miranda’s “cerulean” monologue?), and universal themes of ambition and sacrifice made it a timeless classic.

Now, nearly 20 years later, the sequel is bringing back the core cast—Streep, Hathaway, Tucci, and Blunt—alongside new faces like Kenneth Branagh, who reportedly plays Miranda’s third husband, and a star-studded lineup including Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, Simone Ashley, and Pauline Chalamet. Directed by David Frankel, who helmed the original, and written by Aline Brosh McKenna, the sequel promises to dive into the modern media landscape, with Runway magazine struggling against the decline of print media. According to reports, the plot centers on Miranda’s battle to keep Runway afloat as she faces off against Emily Charlton, now a high-powered executive at a luxury conglomerate with the advertising dollars Miranda desperately needs. Andy Sachs, who walked away from Runway at the end of the first film to pursue journalism, is also back, though her role remains shrouded in mystery.

The Funeral Scene: A Clue or a Red Herring?

The funeral scene has sparked intense debate among fans, with many fearing the loss of Miranda Priestly herself. After all, Miranda is the heart of the Devil Wears Prada universe—her commanding presence and razor-sharp wit defined the original film. The idea of her character meeting a tragic end feels unthinkable to some. “I need to know because I am gonna die if it’s Miranda’s funeral,” one fan wrote on social media. Others have pointed out that Miranda’s absence from the scene doesn’t necessarily confirm her death. The sequel reportedly explores Miranda nearing retirement, which could set the stage for a dramatic exit—perhaps one that’s symbolic rather than literal. Could the funeral be a plot device to mark the “death” of Runway magazine, reflecting the decline of print media? Or is it a misdirection, with the true deceased character being someone less central to the story?

Alternative theories have emerged as well. Some fans speculate that Emily Charlton, now a rival to Miranda, could be the one mourned in the scene, though Emily Blunt’s confirmed presence in other filming locations makes this less likely. Others have suggested Irv Ravitz, the chairman who clashed with Miranda in the first film, as a potential candidate, with one fan noting, “It’s gotta be Irv.” The introduction of new characters, like Kenneth Branagh’s role as Miranda’s husband, adds further possibilities—could his character be the one laid to rest? The lack of clarity only adds to the anticipation, as fans dissect every detail of the set photos for clues.

Fashion as a Character in Itself

If there’s one thing The Devil Wears Prada fans can count on, it’s jaw-dropping fashion. The sequel is already delivering on that front, with Anne Hathaway spotted in a parade of designer looks during filming. From Ralph Lauren blazers to a Gabriela Hearst spring 2025 maxi dress, Chloé sandals, and a vintage Jean Paul Gaultier suit, Andy Sachs’s wardrobe reflects her evolution from the frumpy assistant of the first film to a confident professional. The funeral scene’s black ensemble, complete with a sheer-neckline dress and trench coat, is both elegant and somber, perfectly capturing the mood. Stanley Tucci’s Nigel, meanwhile, remains impeccably stylish, his black tuxedo a nod to his role as Runway’s sartorial tastemaker. Other cast members, like Emily Blunt, have been seen in bold looks, including a Dior shirt with a Gaultier corset and pants, signaling that the sequel will continue the original’s legacy of making fashion a central character.

The film’s costume design is once again a focal point, with fans eagerly awaiting the return of the opulent, trend-setting aesthetic that defined the first movie. The original’s costume designer, Patricia Field, set a high bar, assembling over 150 pieces from designers like Prada, Donna Karan, and Zac Posen. While it’s unclear if Field is returning for the sequel, the attention to detail in the set photos suggests that the fashion will be just as groundbreaking. A Met Gala-esque scene filmed at the American Museum of Natural History, featuring Meryl Streep in a dramatic red gown and banners proclaiming “Spring Florals” (a cheeky nod to Miranda’s iconic line), hints at the high-glamour moments fans can expect.

Why the Mystery Matters

The speculation surrounding the funeral scene underscores why The Devil Wears Prada remains so beloved. Its blend of sharp humor, relatable characters, and aspirational fashion taps into universal themes of ambition, loyalty, and identity. The original film’s exploration of Andy’s struggle to balance her career and personal life resonated with audiences, while Miranda’s unapologetic power inspired both awe and fear. The sequel’s premise—Miranda navigating a declining industry while clashing with her former assistant—feels timely, reflecting the real-world challenges facing traditional media. The addition of a funeral scene, whether literal or symbolic, adds an emotional layer that could elevate the stakes, forcing characters to confront loss and change in a way that mirrors the shifting landscape of their world.

For fans, the question of who dies is more than just a plot point—it’s a testament to their investment in these characters. Miranda Priestly, with her pursed lips and whispered commands, is a larger-than-life figure whose potential death would shake the story’s foundation. Andy Sachs, now a seasoned professional, represents the audience’s journey from naivety to self-assurance. Nigel and Emily, with their wit and loyalty, are the glue that holds the Runway world together. The thought of losing any of them feels personal, which is why the set photos have sparked such fervent discussion.

What’s Next for The Devil Wears Prada 2?

As filming continues in New York City and Italy, the anticipation for The Devil Wears Prada 2 is building to a fever pitch. The return of the original cast, combined with fresh talent and a modern storyline, promises a sequel that honors its predecessor while forging new ground. Whether the funeral scene reveals a major character’s death or serves as a clever narrative twist, it’s clear that the film is aiming to surprise and captivate audiences. For now, fans will have to gird their loins and wait until May 1, 2026, to uncover the truth. One thing is certain: in the world of Runway, nothing is ever as simple as it seems, and the answers will be delivered with style, sass, and a touch of Miranda’s signature “That’s all.”