The long-awaited sequel to the cult classic film, The Devil Wears Prada 2, premiered its first trailer on Sunday, showcasing an awkward and tense reunion between Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly and Anne Hathaway’s Andrea ‘Andy’ Sachs. Set in the offices of Runway Magazine, the trailer hints at a strained relationship after two decades have passed since the original story, centering around Andy’s return as the magazine’s new fashion editor.
Miranda Priestly’s Cold Reception to Andy Sachs’ Return
The preview opens with Miranda Priestly seated in her posh office, where Andy enters with an enthusiastic greeting. However, Miranda’s icy response quickly sets the tone. Turning to her art director Nigel Kipling, played by Stanley Tucci, she is dismissive, asking curtly about the newcomer with phrases such as,
“Who is this? Do you know her? Do I know her?”
Andy attempts to reintroduce herself, but her name seems to elude the notoriously forgetful editor-in-chief, highlighting an uncomfortable disconnect between the two.
Return of Familiar Faces and New Rivalries
Shortly after, the scene expands to include Emily Charlton, portrayed by Emily Blunt, who was Miranda’s former senior assistant. In the sequel, Emily has ascended to become a rival executive battling over advertising revenue in a declining print industry. Miranda’s bewilderment at seeing Emily again is evident when she exclaims, “You also know her?” to which Emily retorts dryly about their shared history at Runway. This reunion underscores lingering tensions and power struggles within the fashion magazine world.
Background on the Original Film’s Impact and Story
The original 2006 film, based on Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel, presented a sharp look into the demanding fashion industry through Andy’s journey from naive assistant to experienced professional. The film, made on a $41 million budget, earned $326.7 million worldwide and became critically acclaimed. It famously captured key moments such as Emily quitting her job at a Paris Fashion Week event, which remains iconic among fans.
Public Response to the New Trailer
The trailer’s portrayal of Miranda forgetting Andy’s past stoked immediate reactions on social media. YouTube commentators quickly praised the character’s dismissiveness as fitting, with user @Kardlonoc stating,
“Miranda completely forgetting the events of the first movie because they were beneath her is a great move.”
Another, @maxcouture9314, echoed this sentiment by commenting,
“Miranda pretending not to know Andy is everything.”
Instagram users also chimed in, with @diego_justdiego_ describing the forgetfulness as
“pure comedy and so right too,”
while @javieroooking expressed excitement about the movie’s return after 20 years.
Recovery of Iconic Lines and Fan Expectations
Fans revived memorable lines from the original film, with Instagram user @ferinidwi recalling the sarcastic remark, “A sequel? For spring? Groundbreaking.” Another user, @tinabyer, criticized the sequel’s release pace, posting,
“May?! By all means, move at a glacial pace.”
The anticipation for the film’s official release on May 1 in U.S. and U.K. theaters continues to build among the fanbase eager to see how the story progresses.
Production Details and Cast Highlights
The sequel reunites much of the original creative team, including director David Frankel, writer Aline Brosh McKenna, and producers Wendy Finerman and Karen Rosenfelt. Cinematographer Florian Ballhaus, makeup head Nicki Ledermann, and music supervisor Julia Michels have also returned to maintain the film’s established style and tone. However, notable changes include the replacement of costume designer Patricia Field with Molly Rogers, who worked with the team previously on HBO Max’s And Just Like That.
The expanded cast features an impressive lineup alongside Hathaway and Streep, such as Kenneth Branagh, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Lady Gaga, Sydney Sweeney, B.J. Novak, Rachel Bloom, Pauline Chalamet, Simone Ashley, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, and Conrad Ricamora. Their involvement hints at new plot developments and fresh dynamics within the fashion world depicted in the film.
Plot Inspiration and Future Expectations
The storyline of The Devil Wears Prada 2 appears to draw loosely from Lauren Weisberger’s 2013 follow-up novel, Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns. This novel explores Miranda Priestly’s ambitions to acquire an aspirational wedding magazine called The Plunge, which adds layers to the power and rivalry themes introduced in the original film. The sequel’s plot promises to explore challenges in a changing media landscape, addressing the pressures on print publications in the digital age.
Significance of the Sequel and Anticipated Reception
The return of Anne Hathaway Devil Wears Prada in this sequel marks a significant moment for fans of the franchise, who have awaited an update on Sawyer’s character and her evolving relationship with Priestly. Given the tense, almost dismissive reception Beverly receives in the trailer, the film is shaping up to explore complex issues of memory, legacy, and transformation within the fashion industry and media.
As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to mount about how The Devil Wears Prada 2 will balance nostalgia with contemporary relevance, possibly influencing future fashion-themed films and sparking renewed conversations about workplace dynamics and female leadership in powerful industries.
