Devil Wears Prada 2 review: Anne Hathaway steals the show in this eagerly-anticipated sequel as ice queen Miranda is forced to give up her diva antics – and there’s even a cameo from Rory McIlroy, says BRIAN VINER

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Rating: Four stars

As a lifelong fashion enthusiast, I’m so excited about all the milestones we’re celebrating this year! Can you believe it’s been a full century since Coco Chanel first showed off her iconic little black dress in American Vogue? It was such a revolutionary moment – she completely changed the rules and proved black could be chic and elegant, not just for mourning or uniforms. And it’s also been 20 years since ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ came out! That movie really captured the energy and drama of the fashion world, and it’s still a favorite of mine.

David Frankel’s 2006 film, based on Lauren Weisberger’s popular novel and her experiences assisting Vogue’s powerful editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, offered a fun and often cutthroat look at the fashion industry. Even Wintour herself seemed to enjoy it! The movie was a huge success, debuting in the same week as Superman Returns and quickly overshadowing it at the box office.

The highly anticipated sequel reunites the original creative team – director and writer Frankel and Aline Brosh McKenna – and delivers a stylish continuation of the story. Fortunately, it lives up to expectations, with Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt all returning and delivering excellent performances.

While still good, this movie isn’t quite as fun as the original because its humor isn’t as sharp. This might be because it’s poking fun at the world of journalism and publishing instead of fashion. Those industries certainly have their flaws, but the jokes don’t land with the same ease.

Oh my god, the potential sequel is amazing! It’s so clever and genuinely funny, and there are these little moments – one-liners, really – that just hit you with how much things have changed in twenty years. I actually burst out laughing when a character, this poor books editor, was whining about having to edit… wait for it… a memoir by Paris Hilton’s chihuahua! And honestly? It feels totally believable! These days, all the big publishers are practically begging celebrities for anything they can publish, so a book like that? It could actually happen, and that’s what makes it so brilliant!

Meryl Streep pointed out at the London premiere that the original movie was released before smartphones even existed. This new film, however, playfully references current trends like the weight-loss drug Ozempic, ride-sharing apps like Uber, and artificial intelligence. Characters frequently discuss ‘data’ and, naturally, everyone uses a smartphone.

The story continues with Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) now happily married to a new husband, portrayed by Kenneth Branagh. However, she hasn’t changed her cold and commanding personality and still controls the powerful Runway magazine, with Stanley Tucci as her ever-faithful assistant, Nigel Kipling.

Emily Charlton (Blunt), once a snobbish assistant, has since married, divorced, and landed a job at Dior. Andy Sachs (Hathaway), who started as a lowly assistant at Runway in 2006, is now a successful and award-winning journalist. However, both women are suddenly out of a job when they’re unexpectedly fired via text message. Not long after, Andy gets another offer – to return to Runway as a features editor.

Miranda wasn’t involved in the recent decision, leaving Andy facing the editor’s usual coldness. However, Andy now has a chance to use this situation to her advantage – she could write an unauthorized biography exposing Miranda’s flaws and extravagant behavior. Meanwhile, things get even more complicated when a man clearly modeled after Jeff Bezos (played with humor by Justin Theroux) begins scheming to buy Runway magazine and add it to his media holdings.

I don’t want to reveal too much and spoil the surprises, but I can share a few details. The resources available to Runway magazine aren’t what they used to be, and we see Miranda struggling with even simple tasks. Several plot lines come together during Milan Fashion Week. Expect quick cameos from Donatella Versace and Naomi Campbell, and surprisingly, even golfer Rory McIlroy. At least Lady Gaga has a chance to speak a few lines.

Like many sequels, this movie feels longer than the original. However, it’s still enjoyable to watch, especially Meryl Streep who effortlessly and clearly delights in reprising her role as Miranda, delivering her lines with a smooth, almost purring tone. Emily Blunt is also fantastic, though she doesn’t have enough screen time. Ultimately, this film centers on Anne Hathaway, even though she’s surrounded by actors who occasionally steal the show.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is in cinemas tomorrow.

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2026-04-29 19:18