A Long-Awaited Return to Runway’s World

It’s time to dust off your cerulean sweaters and gird your loins, because The Devil Wears Prada 2 is officially in production, bringing back the iconic Andy Sachs, played by Anne Hathaway, in a sequel that promises to reignite the fashion world’s most stylish saga. Nearly two decades after the 2006 comedy-drama captivated audiences with its razor-sharp wit, unforgettable one-liners, and a glimpse into the cutthroat realm of high fashion, Disney’s 20th Century Studios announced on June 30, 2025, that filming has begun for the highly anticipated follow-up, set for a theatrical release on May 1, 2026. With Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci reprising their roles alongside a stellar new cast, the sequel is poised to be a cultural event, blending nostalgia with bold new directions. At the heart of this revival is Anne Hathaway, whose return as Andy Sachs marks a triumphant moment in her illustrious career. Let’s dive into the details of this fashionable comeback, analyze the sequel’s fresh elements, celebrate the cast’s dynamic return, and explore why Hathaway remains the linchpin of this cinematic milestone.

The Devil Wears Prada 2: What’s New in the Fashion Jungle

The original The Devil Wears Prada, based on Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel, followed aspiring journalist Andrea “Andy” Sachs as she navigated the glamorous yet brutal world of Runway magazine under the icy reign of editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). The film, directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna, grossed $326 million worldwide and earned Streep an Oscar nomination for her chillingly iconic performance. Its blend of satire, drama, and fashion made it a cultural touchstone, quoted endlessly and celebrated for its timeless exploration of ambition, identity, and sacrifice. Now, The Devil Wears Prada 2 promises to update this narrative for a modern audience, tackling the evolving media landscape while retaining the charm that made the original a classic.

While plot details remain tightly under wraps, sources suggest the sequel will focus on Miranda Priestly grappling with the decline of traditional magazine publishing in the digital age. According to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, the story pits Miranda against her former assistant, Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt), who has risen to a high-powered executive role at a luxury brand conglomerate, controlling advertising dollars that Runway desperately needs. This clash of titans sets the stage for a deliciously tense narrative, blending ambition, loyalty, and fashion politics. The sequel may also draw inspiration from Weisberger’s 2013 novel Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns, where Andy, now a successful magazine editor, faces Miranda’s reentry into her life. Set photos from July 2025 hint at Andy’s potential return to Runway, as Hathaway was spotted carrying a garment bag stamped with the magazine’s logo, suggesting a surprising twist in her career trajectory.

The sequel introduces a fresh cast to complement the returning stars. Kenneth Branagh joins as Miranda’s husband, possibly a recast of her ex-husband Stephen from the original or a new character altogether. Newcomers include Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, and Pauline Chalamet, alongside Broadway talents Helen J. Shen and Conrad Ricamora, and comedian Caleb Hearon. Notably, Evil star Patrick Brammall replaces Adrian Grenier as Andy’s new love interest, a move that has sparked intrigue given the polarizing reception of Grenier’s character, Nate, in the original. Entertainment Weekly reported that Nate’s absence reflects a shift in fan sentiment, as many now view him as unsupportive of Andy’s ambitions, a criticism Grenier himself acknowledged in 2021. These new additions promise to inject fresh energy into the Runway universe, while the return of director David Frankel and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna ensures continuity in tone and vision.

Filming, which began in June 2025, is taking place in New York City and Italy, with set photos showcasing Hathaway in chic ensembles, from a Gabriela Hearst maxi dress to a Ralph Lauren blazer paired with Golden Goose boots. These looks signal Andy’s evolution from the frumpy assistant of 2006 to a confident, fashion-forward professional, a transformation that mirrors the industry’s shift toward digital and sustainable fashion. The timing of the release, just before the 2026 Met Gala, adds a layer of cultural synergy, positioning The Devil Wears Prada 2 as a must-see event for fashion enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.

The Cast’s Breakout Return: A Reunion of Icons

The return of the core four—Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci—is a testament to the original film’s enduring legacy. Streep, now 76, reprises her role as Miranda Priestly, the ice queen whose whispered commands and withering glances defined cinematic villainy. Her performance in the original earned a Best Actress Oscar nomination, and fans eagerly await how she’ll navigate a publishing world on the brink of collapse. Streep’s commitment to the sequel, despite her earlier reservations about method acting for the role (she called it “horrible” in a 2021 Entertainment Weekly interview), underscores her dedication to this iconic character.

Emily Blunt, whose breakout role as the snarky assistant Emily Charlton launched her to stardom, returns as a powerhouse executive, flipping the dynamic from the original. Blunt’s recent comments at the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival, reported by The Hollywood Reporter, hinted at her excitement, describing “rumblings” and “stuff churning around” for the sequel. Her character’s ascent promises a thrilling face-off with Miranda, blending humor with high-stakes corporate drama. Stanley Tucci, back as the supportive art director Nigel Kipling, brings his signature charm, with fans hoping for a long-overdue promotion for the character who sacrificed so much in the first film. Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman also return as Andy’s friend Lily and Runway’s chairman Irv Ravitz, respectively, adding nostalgic continuity.

The new cast members elevate the sequel’s star power. Kenneth Branagh, known for his Shakespearean gravitas and directorial work like A Haunting in Venice, adds intrigue as Miranda’s husband, potentially bringing a new dynamic to her personal life. Lucy Liu and Justin Theroux, both veterans of complex roles, promise to inject intensity, while B.J. Novak and Pauline Chalamet (Timothée Chalamet’s sister) bring a modern edge. Broadway stars Helen J. Shen and Conrad Ricamora, alongside comedian Caleb Hearon, suggest a blend of theatrical flair and humor, broadening the film’s appeal. The absence of Adrian Grenier’s Nate, replaced by Patrick Brammall as a new romantic interest, reflects a deliberate shift to address criticisms of the original’s portrayal of Andy’s personal life, setting the stage for a more empowered narrative arc.

This ensemble, described by Variety as a “star-studded” reunion, combines nostalgia with innovation, ensuring The Devil Wears Prada 2 feels both familiar and fresh. The cast’s chemistry, evident in their 2024 SAG Awards reunion sketch, promises to recapture the magic of the original while pushing the story into new territory.

Anne Hathaway: The Heart of The Devil Wears Prada

At the center of this cinematic revival is Anne Hathaway, whose portrayal of Andy Sachs in 2006 catapulted her from The Princess Diaries star to a household name. Now 42, Hathaway’s career has spanned blockbusters like The Dark Knight Rises, an Oscar-winning turn in Les Misérables, and critically acclaimed roles in The Idea of You and Armageddon Time. Her return to The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a full-circle moment, showcasing her evolution as an actress and a cultural icon.

Hathaway’s journey to landing the role of Andy was no small feat. As she revealed on RuPaul’s Drag Race, she was the ninth choice for the part, campaigning relentlessly and even writing “hire me” in a studio executive’s zen garden. Her persistence paid off, delivering a performance that balanced vulnerability, ambition, and transformation. Andy’s arc—from a dowdy journalist in a cerulean sweater to a polished assistant who ultimately chooses her own path—resonated with audiences, making her a relatable everywoman in a world of unattainable glamour.

Set photos from July 2025, shared by Variety and E! Online, show Hathaway’s Andy in sophisticated outfits, hinting at a character who has embraced fashion while retaining her core identity. A notable detail—no wedding ring—suggests Andy remains unmarried, a choice that aligns with Hathaway’s 2022 musings to Variety that Andy might be a single, career-driven editor at a French women’s magazine, possibly with children. This portrayal challenges expectations, presenting a modern, independent Andy who defies traditional narratives of settling down. The Daily Mail speculated that Andy’s return to Runway, as hinted by the garment bag, could indicate a professional pivot, perhaps as a consultant or editor, setting up a complex reunion with Miranda.

Hathaway’s involvement in the sequel comes after years of skepticism about its feasibility. In a 2024 V Magazine interview, she expressed doubts about a sequel due to the original’s focus on print media in a now-digital world, suggesting a new project with the same cast might be more fitting. Her change of heart reflects the strength of the script and the opportunity to revisit a character that defined her early career. Hathaway’s recent roles, from a pop-star romance in The Idea of You to a Holocaust drama in Armageddon Time, showcase her versatility, and The Devil Wears Prada 2 offers a chance to blend her comedic roots with the gravitas she’s developed over two decades.

Her on-set presence, captured in a July 21, 2025, Instagram post captioned “Andy Sachs 2025,” radiates confidence and style, signaling a character who has grown into her power. Hathaway’s playful TikTok, brushing her teeth in a cerulean sweater with the caption “Heading to werk,” nods to the original while teasing Andy’s evolution. Her ability to balance humor, vulnerability, and strength will likely anchor the sequel, making Andy the emotional core amid the high-fashion chaos.

Why The Devil Wears Prada 2 Matters

The Devil Wears Prada 2 arrives at a pivotal moment for the film industry and fashion world. The original’s exploration of ambition and sacrifice remains relevant, but the sequel’s focus on the decline of print media and the rise of digital platforms reflects contemporary challenges. The timing, coinciding with Anna Wintour’s reported step-down from Vogue in 2025, adds a meta-layer, given Miranda’s inspiration from Wintour. The film’s release before the 2026 Met Gala positions it as a cultural event, likely to spark conversations about fashion, power, and legacy.

For Hathaway, the sequel is a chance to reclaim a role that shaped her career while showcasing her growth as an actress. The returning cast, bolstered by new talent, ensures a dynamic ensemble, while Frankel and McKenna’s involvement guarantees fidelity to the original’s wit and style. As Rotten Tomatoes notes, the first film surpassed its source novel with its “witty exposé” of the fashion world, and the sequel aims to do the same, adapting Weisberger’s Revenge Wears Prada for a new era.

In a world where sequels often struggle to recapture original magic, The Devil Wears Prada 2 stands out for its bold vision and stellar cast. Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs, now a seasoned professional navigating a changing industry, promises to deliver a performance that is both nostalgic and groundbreaking. As fans eagerly await May 1, 2026, one thing is clear: by all means, The Devil Wears Prada 2 will not move at a glacial pace—it’s set to thrill us all over again.