Key Takeaways
- Original Cast Returns in The Devil Wears Prada 2: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci all reprise their iconic roles.
- A New Power Dynamic: Andy Sachs returns to Runway as a features editor, while Emily Charlton is now a high-powered executive at Dior.
- Modern Media Struggles: The plot centers on Miranda Priestly navigating the decline of print media and the rise of digital clickbait.
- A “Joyful” Set: Meryl Streep abandoned the “terrifying” method acting she used in the first film for a more collaborative environment.
- Global Fashion Capitals: Filming took place across New York and Milan, featuring luxury brands like Gabriela Hearst and Jacquemus.
Nearly two decades after the original film became a global pop-culture touchstone, the legendary team behind Runway magazine has finally returned in the 2026 sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2. Directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna, the film catches up with our favorite characters 20 years after Andy Sachs famously tossed her phone into a Parisian fountain. This time, the stakes are higher, the industry is more precarious, and the fashion is even more sophisticated.
The Icons Return: Cast and Characters
The core quartet that made the original a masterpiece is officially back together. Meryl Streep returns as the formidable Miranda Priestly, while Anne Hathaway reprises her role as Andy Sachs. Joining them are Emily Blunt as the sharp-tongued Emily Charlton and Stanley Tucci as the indispensable Nigel Kipling.
In this installment, Andy is no longer the fumbling intern but a respected, award-winning journalist who returns to Runway as the Features Editor after a newsroom layoff. Miranda remains at the helm of the magazine, though she is now facing a world that prioritizes online clickbait over traditional high-fashion standards. Perhaps the most exciting transformation is Emily Charlton, who has ascended to a senior executive position at Dior, placing her in a direct position of power over her former boss.
A Changed Landscape: The Plot of The Devil Wears Prada 2
The sequel explores a media landscape that has been radically altered by the digital age. Miranda Priestly finds her authority challenged as Runway’s print edition struggles for relevance. The “Dragon Lady” of fashion is forced to adapt to a world of body positivity, changing social norms, and dwindling advertising budgets.
The central conflict arises when Miranda must face off against Emily’s luxury group for crucial advertising revenue that the magazine desperately needs to survive. While the film incorporates modern struggles like shrinking newsrooms and billionaire media owners, it retains the wit and heart that defined its predecessor.
Behind the Scenes: A Joyful Set and No Method Acting
One of the most significant changes in the production of the sequel was Meryl Streep’s approach to her character. During the 2005 shoot, Streep famously used method acting to remain distant and cold toward Hathaway and Blunt to maintain Miranda’s authority. Streep later admitted this approach made her miserable.
For the sequel, director David Frankel prioritized a “sensation of joy” on set. Streep abandoned her isolated method acting for a collaborative and happy experience, allowing the cast to enjoy revisiting their characters. Despite this softer approach off-camera, Streep’s Miranda remains as “mean and efficient” as ever on screen.
The Fashion: Couture for a New Era
Just like the original, the fashion in The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a character in itself. The costume direction reflects a blend of nostalgia and the 2025 fashion landscape. Andy’s wardrobe has matured into “couture confidence,” featuring pieces like a Gabriela Hearst maxi dress, Fendi totes, and tailoring by Jean Paul Gaultier.
Miranda makes a commanding return in sharp silhouettes, including a tan Sasuphi trench and scarlet Jacquemus slingbacks. Emily Charlton’s new executive status is reflected in high-end Dior ensembles and Margiela pieces. The film also features a variety of new names and cult favorites like Phoebe Philo and Collina Strada.
Filming in the Fashion Capitals
To capture the authenticity of the industry, principal photography took place between June and October 2025 in Manhattan and Milan. Iconic Milanese locations like the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Brera Academy serve as backdrops for some of the film’s most spectacular events. The production even filmed at a Dolce & Gabbana show during Milan Fashion Week to ensure the film felt grounded in reality.
