The Wait Is Nearly Over. And the First Reactions to This 2006 Sequel Have Fans Excited to Hit the Runway
Gird your loins.
The long-awaited sequel to The Devil Wears Prada is finally hitting theaters on May 1, and early reactions from press screenings have fans buzzing with excitement. After nearly two decades of speculation, The Devil Wears Prada 2 has delivered a first wave of social media praise that suggests the film is worth the wait.
The sequel, which reunites Meryl Streep as the iconic Miranda Priestly and Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs, has been shrouded in secrecy despite a global promotional tour. Press screenings over the past week have given critics and journalists their first look, and the initial reactions are overwhelmingly positive.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, full reviews are still under embargo until April 29. However, the early word on social media paints a picture of a sequel that honors the original while carving out its own identity.
First things first, the core cast is back in full force
Fans of the 2006 fashion dramedy will be relieved to know that the core cast is back in full force. Emily Blunt returns as Emily Charlton, Miranda’s sharp-tongued first assistant, and Stanley Tucci reprises his role as Nigel, the fashion director who serves as Andy’s mentor. The chemistry between the original cast was a huge part of what made the first film so beloved, and early reactions suggest that dynamic hasn’t faded.
New additions to the cast include Justin Theroux, Kenneth Branagh, and a slew of cameos from fashion icons like Donatella Versace and Lady Gaga. Branagh steps into the role of Miranda’s new husband, while Theroux plays Emily’s boyfriend, adding fresh energy to the story.
The plot of The Devil Wears Prada 2 centers on Miranda and Andy’s efforts to revive Runway Magazine in the digital age. Emily, who has since become a power player at a luxury fashion house, is brought back into the fold to help navigate the changing media landscape. The sequel explores the challenges of modern journalism while delivering the same sharp wit and high-fashion glamour that made the original a cultural phenomenon.
The first film, based on Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel, was a massive success, grossing $327 million worldwide and becoming a defining movie of the mid-2000s. Its influence has only grown over time, with quotes like “That’s all” and “You think this has nothing to do with you” becoming ingrained in pop culture.
The delay in making a sequel was largely due to the hesitation of Streep and Hathaway, both of whom were reluctant to revisit their roles. Their eventual return, along with the original director David Frankel and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, was a major selling point for fans.
Early reactions to the sequel have been glowing
Entertainment journalist Daniel Baptista called it a “fun and fierce sequel” that feels “familiar in the best way” and “timely in the right ways.” Variety’s Jazz Tangcay described the film as “phenomenal” and “the perfect sequel that exceeded all expectations.” Tangcay praised McKenna’s script as “sharp and witty,” adding that the film’s costumes and soundtrack are standout elements.
THR’s Alex Werpin called it a “biting media parody wrapped up in high fashion,” noting that journalists in the audience will likely cringe in recognition. Erik Anderson of Awards Watch was particularly effusive, writing that The Devil Wears Prada 2 “has no right to be as good as it is.” He highlighted the film’s balance of callbacks and nostalgia, calling it “funny and deeper” than the original.
The return of Vogue as a cultural touchstone was also noted as a highlight. These reactions suggest that the sequel has managed to capture the magic of the first film while updating it for a new era.
The anticipation for The Devil Wears Prada 2 has been building for years, and the promotional campaign has been nothing short of extravagant. The film held its world premiere at New York’s Lincoln Center on April 20, with the event live-streamed on Disney+ and Hulu. European premieres followed in London, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and Milan, each one drawing massive crowds and media attention.
The buzz around the film has been so intense that filming in New York City proved to be a logistical challenge. Streep herself admitted to feeling “unnerved” by the overwhelming fan response, which included buses of admirers and paparazzi clashing with the crew.
The original was a cultural reset
The film’s portrayal of the cutthroat world of high fashion resonated with audiences, and its influence extended far beyond the box office. It launched countless memes, inspired fashion trends, and even shaped how people viewed the industry. The sequel has big shoes to fill, but if early reactions are any indication, it’s more than up to the task.
The fashion world has changed dramatically since 2006, and The Devil Wears Prada 2 appears to be embracing that evolution. The digital age has transformed how media operates, and the sequel’s plot, centering on the struggle to keep Runway relevant, reflects those real-world shifts. The film’s trailers have hinted at a story that’s as much about the challenges of modern journalism as it is about high fashion.
The original film’s costumes, designed by Patricia Field, were a character in their own right, and early reactions suggest that the sequel’s wardrobe is just as stunning. The soundtrack has also been called out as a standout element, with many noting that it “slaps hard.” Whether you’re a longtime devotee of Miranda Priestly or a newcomer to the world of Runway, this is one film you won’t want to miss.
(featured image: 20th Century Studios)
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