The Devil Wears Prada 2: The Devil Returns to Runway After 20 Years

Nearly twenty years after Miranda Priestly terrorized her assistants and audiences fell in love with the cutthroat world of Runway magazine, the devil is back. The Devil Wears Prada 2 has arrived, reuniting the original cast and introducing a new generation of fashion industry players. The film opened to a staggering $233 million worldwide, proving that the appetite for sharp, stylish, and sophisticated entertainment has not diminished in the two decades since Andy Sachs first stepped into the Runway building [citation:5].

The Long-Awaited Return

The Devil Wears Prada 2 has been in development for several years, with the project gaining significant momentum when Disney assigned the film to the May 1, 2026 release slot that was originally reserved for Avengers: Doomsday. This strategic move signaled the studio's confidence in the franchise's enduring appeal [citation:1].

On the 19th anniversary of the original film's release, 20th Century Studios officially confirmed that all four original stars — Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci — would return to reprise their iconic roles. The announcement sent shockwaves through social media, with fans celebrating the reunion they had waited nearly two decades to see [citation:1].

Speaking at the London premiere, Emily Blunt reflected on the experience of returning to her character after so many years. "It was effortless — like a comfortable pair of old slippers," Blunt told the BBC. She added that her children "loved" the film when they saw it, and that she "didn't know" the original was "going to have this epic life and multi-generational embrace" [citation:2].

The Story: Print vs. Digital

The sequel does not simply replay the beats of the original. Instead, it transports the characters into a media landscape transformed almost beyond recognition. Set in 2026, the film follows Miranda Priestly as she struggles to keep Runway magazine profitable in an era dominated by digital platforms, social media influencers, and declining print advertising revenues [citation:4].

The central conflict of the sequel pits Miranda against her former assistant, Emily Charlton (Blunt). Now a high-powered executive who controls the advertising revenue that Priestly desperately needs, Emily has returned to Runway with ambitions that threaten Miranda's legacy [citation:4].

Andy Sachs, meanwhile, has grown far beyond her assistant days. Now working in a newsroom, she navigates her own career in a world where success looks different — and often more uncertain — than it did twenty years ago. The film follows these three women as their paths intersect once again, each confronting questions of ambition, loyalty, and relevance in a changing world [citation:3].

The Cast Reunited

The return of the original cast members was the film's biggest selling point, and the actors did not disappoint. Meryl Streep, now 76 years old, slips back into Miranda Priestly's Manolo Blahniks with the same chilling authority that earned her an Academy Award nomination for the original film [citation:8].

Speaking at the New York premiere, Streep addressed the long gap between films. "It was like, why did it take so long?" she said when asked about stepping back into her fearsome character's shoes. Stanley Tucci agreed: "Yes, exactly. It was like riding a bicycle" [citation:10].

New Faces, Fresh Blood

While the original cast anchors the film, The Devil Wears Prada 2 introduces several new characters who expand the Runway universe. Kenneth Branagh joins the franchise as Miranda's newest husband — the fourth Mr. Miranda Priestly, according to production notes. His casting adds another Oscar-winning presence to an already decorated ensemble [citation:6].

Simone Ashley, known for her role in Bridgerton, brings youthful energy to the Runway offices. Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, and Patrick Brammall also join the cast, while Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman reprise their roles from the original film as Andy's friend Lily and Runway's publisher Irv [citation:3].

Speaking about the new additions, Emily Blunt praised her younger co-stars. "Emily, Annie, Stanley and Meryl — everyone was just so wonderful, so lovely. I've got so many fond memories working with them, and it was kind of a masterclass for me just watching them," she told the BBC [citation:2].

A Box Office Powerhouse

The Devil Wears Prada 2 opened to an astounding $233 million worldwide in its first weekend, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the franchise. Domestic earnings reached approximately $77 million, while international markets contributed $156.6 million [citation:5].

The film's performance exceeded even optimistic projections, proving that audiences were hungry for a return to the world of high fashion and high drama. The opening weekend numbers placed The Devil Wears Prada 2 among the most successful comedy sequels in recent memory.

Advance bookings opened weeks before the release, with exclusive paid preview screenings held on April 30, 2026. In India, ticket sales began early, reflecting the film's strong international appeal. The sequel has been described as one of the most anticipated Hollywood releases of the year, and the box office numbers have justified that excitement [citation:9].

Critical Reception

The sequel has earned a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising the film's ability to balance nostalgia with contemporary relevance. Director David Frankel returns to the franchise, and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna has crafted a story that honors the original while pushing the characters into uncharted territory [citation:4].

"We wanted to honor the original's soul while exploring how these characters have matured over two decades," Frankel stated. "It's a deep dive into an industry that has been completely redefined since we last saw them" [citation:4].

Critics have singled out Emily Blunt's performance as a highlight, with her transformation from frantic assistant to formidable executive earning particular praise. The rivalry between Streep and Blunt forms the emotional and dramatic core of the film, providing the sharp, witty exchanges that fans of the original loved.

Anne Hathaway on the Film's Success

Anne Hathaway, who returns as Andy Sachs, has been effusive about the film's reception. Appearing on the Today Show on June 1, 2026, the actress responded to the overwhelming enthusiasm for the sequel.

"I think what you just said about the huge sigh of relief, because we love it, too. And we didn't want to come back and disappoint everybody, but the way that it's been embraced, to the level that it has, has been overwhelming. And I think beyond any of our wildest dreams," Hathaway said [citation:8].

At the New York premiere, Hathaway credited the fans for making the sequel possible. "We're literally here because of you, because you took us into your hearts and kept us there for 20 years and said, 'we want more'. That's why this whole dream has continued for us," she told the gathered crowd [citation:10].

Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep reunite at the film's world premiere in New York.

Fashion and Philanthropy

Fashion was, naturally, front and center at the premiere events. Meryl Streep wore a stunning red Givenchy outfit to the New York premiere. Emily Blunt chose Schiaparelli, while Anne Hathaway wore Louis Vuitton [citation:10].

But the fashion served a higher purpose. Streep announced that all the clothes, jewelry, bags, and shoes featured in The Devil Wears Prada 2 will be auctioned to benefit the Committee to Protect Journalists, an organization dedicated to defending press freedom worldwide [citation:10].

Anna Wintour, the longtime Vogue editor who is widely considered the inspiration for Miranda Priestly, also attended the New York premiere. Her presence added an extra layer of authenticity to an event already steeped in fashion history [citation:10].

A Third Installment?

Given the sequel's overwhelming success, speculation about a third film has already begun. Anne Hathaway addressed the possibility during her Today Show appearance.

When asked by Savannah Guthrie whether there might be a third installment, Hathaway responded enthusiastically: "I hope so!" [citation:8]

Emily Blunt, meanwhile, has one condition for returning: more screen time with Stanley Tucci, who is married to Blunt's sister, Felicity, in real life. "Stan and I were so angry that they didn't give us more to do together," Blunt told E! News at the New York premiere. "If we do another one, they better have us joined at the hip" [citation:8].

What the Cast Has Said

• Meryl Streep: "It was like, why did it take so long?"
• Stanley Tucci: "It was like riding a bicycle."
• Emily Blunt: "It was effortless — like a comfortable pair of old slippers."
• Anne Hathaway: "We're literally here because of you, because you took us into your hearts."

Where to Watch

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is currently playing in theaters worldwide. The film was released on May 1, 2026, through 20th Century Studios. It is rated PG-13 for some material that may be inappropriate for children under 13. The runtime is 120 minutes [citation:7].

As a 20th Century Studios title, the film is expected to stream on Disney+ and Hulu in the United States after its theatrical run. Industry analysts suggest a digital window between late August and early September 2026, in line with previous Disney releases. A premium video-on-demand rental phase will likely precede the OTT release [citation:5].

Written by Marcus Reynolds | Senior Film Industry Analyst

Sources: 20th Century Studios, Disney, BBC, IMDb, E! News, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is now playing in theaters worldwide | Rated PG-13 | Runtime: 120 minutes

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