The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a rare nostalgic sequel that justifies its existence

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It’s understandable to approach The Devil Wears Prada 2 with some skepticism, as many new movies these days rely heavily on familiar titles to attract audiences. While those involved have promised they wouldn’t rush into a sequel without a strong story, similar claims have been made about other recent follow-ups to beloved films.

This time, the hype felt genuine. The media world has changed dramatically in recent years – especially compared to when we last saw Runway two decades ago – and the new installment really reflects that. It truly feels like a story that couldn’t have been told at any other time.

While The Devil Wears Prada 2 isn’t perfect and doesn’t quite reach the level of the first film, it offers more than just nostalgia. It provides genuine value beyond simply revisiting beloved characters and memorable moments. Considering what you might expect from a sequel, that’s actually enough for it to be enjoyable and successful.

It quickly becomes clear that The Devil Wears Prada 2 doesn’t shy away from tackling the challenges facing modern journalism. The film opens with Andy (Anne Hathaway) and her colleagues unexpectedly losing their jobs via text message – while they’re at an awards ceremony, no less – which leads to a powerful and emotional acceptance speech.

So, this whole situation got on the radar of Irv Ravitz, the chairman of Elias-Clarke, and his son Jay. They figured hiring me would be a good way to try and fix the bad press Runway – and especially Miranda – were getting after this recent deal. The funny thing is, Miranda had absolutely no idea about any of this until I just walked into her office. Talk about awkward!

Miranda has more pressing concerns than remembering her old assistant. She urgently needs help from Emily (Emily Blunt), her former right-hand woman who now works at Dior, as Emily might be key to saving Runway.

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You might be surprised to learn all of this happens in the first act of The Devil Wears Prada 2. Unlike most movie marketing, the trailers haven’t shown much of what the sequel is really about. While this may have made the trailers a bit disappointing, it means fans will be genuinely surprised when the original characters reunite and the story unfolds.

The story doesn’t always work perfectly, particularly with another needless romance for Andy. While Patrick Brammall’s Peter is a welcome addition and more likable than previous characters, these scenes just make the movie feel longer than its nearly two-hour runtime. A more concise script would have kept the middle part from feeling repetitive and stalled.

As you’d expect, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is best when Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci are all on screen together. They all fall easily back into their familiar roles—it feels as comfortable as slipping on a favorite pair of shoes—largely because their characters haven’t changed much over the past two decades.

While some might wish the story had explored new ground, most fans will likely enjoy seeing the familiar dynamics – Emily’s sharp wit or Miranda’s cutting remarks. The actors are all excellent, so it’s easy to forgive the fact that the sequel sometimes relies on repeating successful moments from the original, like Nigel styling Andy for an important occasion.

The show feels revitalized thanks to its new cast members, particularly Simone Ashley, who shines as Miranda’s assistant, Amari. Amari isn’t simply a replacement for Emily, and her playful relationship with Meryl Streep’s Miranda, where she keeps her boss grounded, is a highlight. Justin Theroux and Lucy Liu also deliver enjoyable performances in smaller roles as Benji and Sasha Barnes, an ex-couple whose actions ultimately impact the fate of Runway.

The sequel delivers on expectations with a star-studded cast, including appearances from fashion icons and other celebrities. It’s filled with glamorous scenes showcasing high fashion, particularly during the dramatic finale set at Milan Fashion Week. Plus, Lady Gaga makes an appearance and even contributes original music, making the movie a true spectacle for fashion lovers.

While a second Devil Wears Prada movie probably won’t surpass the original in popularity – most fans will likely still prefer the first one – it’s a surprisingly good sequel. It successfully updates the story for today’s world, feels justified in existing, and still manages to capture the enjoyable feeling of the original.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is released in cinemas on 1 May.

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2026-04-29 19:20