The highly anticipated sequel to The Devil Wears Prada officially started production in June 2025, with original stars Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci reprising their roles. Set to hit theaters in spring 2026, the film has already generated buzz for revealing a very different version of Miranda Priestly, played by Streep. Fans familiar with Streep’s icy portrayal of the formidable Runway editor will find her new approach surprising, as co-star Anne Hathaway shared insights into how Streep transformed her portrayal for this sequel.
Friendship Replaces Rivalry Between Miranda Priestly and Andrea
Early footage and teaser trailers of The Devil Wears Prada 2 have shown a noticeable shift in the relationship between Miranda Priestly and Andrea Sachs. Rather than the adversarial dynamic from the original, Streep’s Miranda and Hathaway’s Andrea appear more like friends reconnecting two decades later. Hathaway described a poignant moment on set when she saw Streep fully embodying Miranda again, highlighting how the experience transported her back in time while also feeling grounded in the present. This glimpse behind the scenes revealed a more playful atmosphere between the stars compared to the tension originally portrayed.
“I heard over the radio: ‘Miranda Priestly is walking.’ Meryl, as Miranda, had started down the hallway ahead of me—I was maybe 50 feet behind her—and seeing her from the back was practically psychedelic. I just felt so many portals open up at that moment. I was 22 again, but it was still now. Thankfully, this time, she didn’t stay in character the entire time, so we had a lot of laughs.” Anne Hathaway, Actress
Streep’s Previous Method Acting Approach Was Isolating
Reflecting on the first film’s production, both Hathaway and Emily Blunt revealed that while they shared camaraderie, Meryl Streep’s immersion into her role as Miranda Priestly was markedly different. The role, inspired by Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, led Streep to employ method acting techniques that created a distance from her fellow cast members. Off camera, she remained isolated in her trailer, maintaining the character’s cold persona, which left her feeling miserable and determined to abandon method acting for future roles.
A New Direction for Miranda Priestly in the Sequel
When preparing to return as Miranda Priestly, Streep herself questioned whether she could revisit the character in the same way, likening it to rediscovering an old outfit and wondering if it still fits:
“It was like going into the back of your own closet and finding something, thinking, Oh, I wonder if this still fits?” Meryl Streep, Actress
Despite easily stepping back into Miranda’s wardrobe, Streep has left method acting behind for this production, embracing a more relaxed presence. Observers have noted Streep’s lighter demeanor off set, including moments of warmth such as blowing kisses to fans—actions quite unlike Miranda’s usual icy demeanor. Her new co-star Justin Theroux described working with her as “a pleasure and an honor,” reflecting the more open atmosphere on set.
Miranda’s Character Evolution Reflects Time and Experience
With her extensive acting career following her departure from method acting, Streep shows no signs of losing her edge or the commanding presence Miranda Priestly demands. Rather, the character appears to have evolved with age and experience, possibly softening just enough to reveal new facets without sacrificing the sharp wit and power that made her iconic. The official trailer, released during the recent Grammys, has reinforced this balance, teasing a compelling reunion between Miranda and Andrea now working together again at Runway.
Anticipation Builds for the Sequel’s Release
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is set to premiere on May 1, promising to explore how Miranda Priestly and Andrea Sachs’s relationship and careers have transformed in the years since the original. Fans and newcomers alike are eager to witness how the dynamics between these characters have shifted after twenty years, while expecting the trademark humor and memorable lines that defined the first film. The sequel’s release is generating excitement not only for its nostalgic connections but also for its fresh take on beloved characters.
