The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026) Review
FASHIONABLY LATE, BUT WORTH THE WAIT
In 2006, 20th Century Fox released a hidden gem during the summer movie season in the form of the stylish, star-studded comedy-drama The Devil Wears Prada. Directed by David Frankel, the film starred Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt, and follows Andy Sachs, a young aspiring journalist in New York City who lands a job at a prestigious fashion magazine, only to find herself struggling to keep up with the demands of her formidable editor, Miranda Priestly. The movie went on to become a box office success, earning approximately $326 million worldwide against a production budget of just $35 to $40 million. It also received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences, with particular praise directed toward Streep’s performance as Miranda Priestly, a character widely believed to have been inspired by legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Ironically, Wintour herself reportedly enjoyed both the film and Streep’s portrayal. Streep would go on to receive numerous accolades during awards season, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy. Now, nearly two decades after the original film’s release, audiences are invited back into the high-stakes world of Runway Magazine as 20th Century Fox and director David Frankel return with the long-awaited sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2. Does this follow-up recapture the charm, wit, and sophistication that made the original so beloved, or is it merely a fashionable imitation of its predecessor’s success?
THE STORY
Years after leaving Runway Magazine behind, Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) has become an award-winning journalist, finally finding success in the career she always dreamed of pursuing. However, her world is turned upside down when she suddenly finds herself without a job. At the same time, Runway editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) finds herself at the center of a major scandal that threatens both her reputation and the future of the magazine. Hoping to restore public trust and revitalize the struggling publication, Elias-Clarke chairman Irv Ravitz (Tibor Feldman) recruits Andy to oversee Runway’s public apology campaign and strengthen the magazine’s journalistic credibility. The move reunites Andy and Miranda for the first time in years. While Andy is eager to return to the world of Runway and work alongside her former boss once again, she quickly discovers that the ever-changing media landscape has not been kind to Miranda. Faced with shrinking budgets, declining print relevance, and the relentless influence of social media, Miranda struggles to maintain the standards that made Runway an industry powerhouse, with her loyal confidant Nigel Kipling (Stanley Tucci) remaining firmly by her side. Determined to help save the publication, Andy devises a plan to steer Runway back on course. Yet the path forward proves challenging, especially when it requires assistance from former assistant Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt), now a successful executive at Dior, who is less than enthusiastic about welcoming her former colleague back into her life. As Andy works to rebuild Runway’s image, Miranda’s patience, leadership, and legacy are put to the test as she navigates one of the most pivotal chapters of her career.
THE GOOD / THE BAD
Oh, what can I say about this movie besides the fact that I love it? I remember first watching The Devil Wears Prada when it was in theaters back in 2006. I had gone to the movies with my mom. I can’t remember what film I was seeing, but she had gone to watch The Devil Wears Prada. My movie finished first, so I “snuck” into the auditorium where her movie was playing and sat with her until it ended. While I only caught the entire third act, I was intrigued by what I saw and wanted to know more. So, when the film was released on home video, I made a point to watch it from beginning to end. To my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The movie itself is incredibly charming and remains an easygoing delight to watch. It embraces the classic romantic comedy formula from start to finish, but spices things up by placing the story within the high-pressure world of fashion. The result is a film that feels both familiar and refreshing, helping it rise above many of the genre’s more derivative offerings. It offers an entertaining glimpse into the inner workings, demands, and hierarchy of the fashion industry, making that world feel both fascinating and accessible to viewers.
Of course, much of the film’s success comes from its outstanding cast. Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt all deliver memorable performances, each bringing something unique to their respective roles. Streep, in particular, steals nearly every scene she appears in, perfectly embodying the intimidating “dragon lady” persona many associated with legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour. In addition, the film’s presentation remains sharp and stylish, with excellent costume design, energetic fashion montages, and a polished visual aesthetic that fully immerses audiences in the world of Runway Magazine and the business that surrounds it.
There are certainly a few bumps along the way. Andy’s boyfriend remains a divisive character among fans, and the narrative occasionally relies on a handful of convenient plot developments. Still, despite these shortcomings, the film consistently rises above them and ultimately succeeds where many similar projects might have faltered. Overall, I believe The Devil Wears Prada has aged remarkably well. It retains the best qualities of a romantic comedy while blending in compelling character drama and an engaging look at the fashion industry. Combined together, those ingredients create a stylish and entertaining film that has rightfully earned its status as a modern classic.
This brings me back to discussing The Devil Wears Prada 2, the 2026 romantic comedy sequel to the beloved 2006 film. Over the years, I remember hearing countless rumors about a potential follow-up, with speculation often centering on Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep returning to their iconic roles. Truthfully, the original movie felt like a self-contained story that never really required a sequel. Still, I certainly wasn’t opposed to revisiting the world of Andy Sachs and Miranda Priestly if the right idea came along.
After years of speculation, the official announcement finally arrived that audiences would indeed be getting a sequel to The Devil Wears Prada. Even more exciting was the confirmation that director David Frankel would be returning alongside much of the original cast, including Hathaway, Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt. Following the announcement, the project remained relatively quiet for some time, but that changed once the film’s marketing campaign began to ramp up. Based on the trailers and promotional material alone, the movie looked quite promising, capturing the same wit, charm, and fashionable swagger that made the first film so enjoyable. In particular, the footage featuring Hathaway and Streep suggested that their on-screen chemistry remained as strong as ever.
I had the opportunity to see The Devil Wears Prada 2 during its opening weekend, though it took me a little while to finally sit down and complete this review. Now, without further ado, I’m ready to share my thoughts on this long-awaited sequel.So, what did I think of it? Well, I actually liked it.
While certain elements prevent the film from reaching the same heights as its predecessor, The Devil Wears Prada 2 ultimately succeeds as a worthy follow-up that retains much of the spirit, energy, and charm of the original. Thanks to David Frankel’s direction, the film’s polished visual style, and the welcome return of its talented cast, the sequel feels comfortably familiar while still allowing its characters room to grow. In many ways, the movie follows the same formula as before and likely won’t convert those who never cared for the first film. However, for longtime fans, it remains a highly enjoyable and effortlessly entertaining romantic comedy that blends style, humor, maturity, and personal growth into an appealing package.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 (which, for the purposes of this review, I’ll simply refer to as Prada 2) is directed by David Frankel, who previously helmed The Devil Wears Prada as well as Marley & Me and Collateral Beauty. Given his familiarity with the original film, Frankel was arguably the most suitable choice to direct this sequel. To his credit, I believe he succeeds in crafting a follow-up that feels like a natural extension of the 2006 movie. From its opening moments, Frankel establishes a familiar tone and visual identity that immediately reconnects audiences with the world of The Devil Wears Prada. For the most part, it works remarkably well.
The film captures the same energy, sophistication, wit, and overall charm that fans would expect from a Prada sequel. As a result, the movie hits the exact mark Frankel appears to be aiming for throughout the feature. There is plenty of humor and lightheartedness, yet the film also balances those elements with character drama and reflective moments. At the same time, the glamorous world of fashion remains front and center. Frankel ensures that nearly every scene, costume, and set piece looks stylish and visually appealing, maintaining the high-class aesthetic that helped define the original movie. Because of this, Prada 2 remains an approachable and easy-to-watch sequel, even for viewers who may not have revisited the first film in quite some time.
The movie also incorporates some timely social commentary regarding the changing landscape of the publishing industry. Frankel explores how modern audiences have largely shifted away from traditional print magazines in favor of digital media, online content, and social media platforms. This concept feels particularly relevant and gives the film an interesting thematic angle. Miranda’s vision for Runway Magazine is increasingly viewed as old-fashioned, forcing both her and Andy to confront the realities of a rapidly evolving industry. I found this aspect to be one of the sequel’s stronger additions, as it allows the film to expand beyond the themes of the original while still remaining faithful to what made that movie enjoyable in the first place.
The writing is generally quite strong as well. While I do think the story becomes somewhat crowded during the latter portion of the film (more on that later), the dialogue largely feels in line with what audiences would expect from a Devil Wears Prada movie. Yes, some of the exchanges can be a bit campy and lean heavily into romantic-comedy sensibilities, but they fit the overall tone of the project. More importantly, Frankel and the talented cast do an excellent job elevating those occasional weaker moments through strong performances and confident delivery.
Additionally, Frankel keeps the film moving at a brisk pace. At 119 minutes, including credits, Prada 2 runs roughly ten minutes longer than its predecessor, which feels reasonable given the number of characters and storylines being juggled throughout the third act. While I do have some criticisms regarding the film’s structural flow, Frankel ultimately succeeds in delivering a light, breezy sequel that rarely feels bloated or overextended. The result is an entertaining continuation that knows exactly what it wants to be and rarely overstays its welcome.
As far as presentation goes, Prada 2 is exactly what one would expect from a sequel to the 2006 film, and in that regard, it certainly does not disappoint. Much like its predecessor, the movie is packed with impressive set pieces, stylish outfits, and eye-catching fashion that help bring its glamorous world to life. From the main cast to the supporting characters, everything feels meticulously crafted and visually appealing. Simply put, Prada 2 is firing on all cylinders when it comes to presentation, with nearly every frame showcasing the sophistication and elegance that audiences have come to expect from the franchise.
From the lavish set designs and décor to the wardrobe choices, hairstyling, and makeup work, the film consistently looks fantastic from beginning to end. The production also benefits from its various location shoots, particularly in New York City and Milan, Italy, which add both authenticity and a greater sense of scale to the story’s high-fashion setting. These elements help immerse viewers in the world of Runway Magazine while reinforcing the film’s polished and upscale aesthetic.
Naturally, much of the credit belongs to the talented behind-the-scenes crew. This includes production designer Jess Gonchor; art directors Zack Gonchor and Christopher J. Morris; set decorators Stephanie Q. Bowen and Sandro Piccarozzi; costume designer Molly Rogers; and the entire hair and makeup department, all of whom do an excellent job bringing the movie’s fashionable world to life. Several members of the production team also worked on the original Devil Wears Prada, which helps maintain a sense of visual continuity between the two films.
Speaking of returning talent, cinematographer Florian Ballhaus reprises his role for this sequel, and his return is certainly a welcome one. While his work here may not necessarily attract major awards attention, it remains consistently attractive and effective throughout the film. Ballhaus captures the elegance of the fashion industry while also giving the movie’s more dramatic moments an appropriately cinematic touch. The result is a visually pleasing experience that complements the story without ever distracting from it.
Lastly, Prada 2 sees the return of composer Theodore Shapiro, who once again delivers a charming and effective musical score. Much like his work on the original film, Shapiro’s compositions fit comfortably within the movie’s tone and help support both its comedic and dramatic moments. Hearing familiar musical themes from the first film incorporated into the sequel provides a welcome dose of nostalgia for longtime fans. In addition, the movie features a strong selection of licensed songs throughout its runtime, continuing a tradition that helped make the soundtrack of the original film so memorable.
Unfortunately, despite the film’s many strengths, Prada 2 does have several shortcomings that prevent it from reaching the same level of excellence as its predecessor. While the sequel successfully captures much of the charm, style, and energy of the original, there are a few areas where the execution feels noticeably less refined. For starters, the film often feels overcrowded with storylines and characters, leaving insufficient time to fully develop many of its ideas. The original The Devil Wears Prada featured multiple subplots and supporting characters, yet it maintained a strong narrative flow and allowed each major player enough screen time to make their role feel meaningful. Prada 2, on the other hand, occasionally bites off more than it can chew. Several plot threads and character arcs feel somewhat surface-level, as if the screenplay had grander ambitions that were ultimately scaled back during production or editing. As a result, certain storylines never receive the attention they deserve, creating an overstuffed feeling that becomes increasingly noticeable as the movie progresses.
This issue largely stems from the screenplay, which was once again written by Aline Brosh McKenna, the screenwriter behind the original film. Ironically, while the premise itself works well enough, the storytelling never feels quite as polished or focused as it did in the first installment. The narrative occasionally loses momentum, and the film struggles to balance all of the characters and plot developments it introduces. The latter half of the movie suffers the most from these issues, as there simply isn’t enough time to properly explore everything the story wants to accomplish. None of this results in outright bad writing, but the screenplay could have benefited from a tighter and more refined structure.
Additionally, the dialogue lacks some of the sharpness and bite that helped make the original film so memorable. Miranda Priestly still receives several standout moments, and Meryl Streep delivers them with the same commanding presence audiences have come to expect. However, I couldn’t help but notice that Miranda feels somewhat softened compared to her portrayal in the first film. Whether this was an intentional creative decision or simply a byproduct of the writing is difficult to say, but the character’s signature edge is noticeably diminished. As a whole, the screenplay never quite reaches the same level of wit, precision, and confidence that defined the original Devil Wears Prada.
Likewise, while David Frankel’s direction remains consistently strong, I do feel that he occasionally plays things a bit too safe. His familiarity with the franchise undoubtedly helps maintain continuity between the two films, but there are moments where Prada 2 seems content to follow the established formula rather than push itself in a more creative direction. I’m not suggesting the movie needed to reinvent itself, but a few bolder choices or fresh ideas might have given the sequel the extra spark needed to truly stand alongside the original. Instead, the film often remains comfortably within the boundaries of what audiences expect.
One of my smaller criticisms, though admittedly a minor one in the grand scheme of things, is that the movie misses an opportunity to explore the evolution of fashion itself. The original The Devil Wears Prada offered a snapshot of mid-2000s fashion culture through Andy’s experiences and her introduction to that world. Prada 2 spends a considerable amount of time discussing how the business side of the industry has changed over the past two decades, particularly with the rise of digital media and social platforms, but it rarely examines how fashion trends and design philosophies have evolved during that same period.
Given the nearly twenty-year gap between films, I expected more commentary regarding contemporary fashion, emerging styles, and how modern audiences engage with luxury brands. Instead, the sequel largely focuses on the industry’s business challenges while leaving the artistic side of fashion relatively unexplored. It’s certainly not a major flaw, but it does feel like a missed opportunity to further distinguish this sequel from its predecessor.
The cast in Prada 2 is quite likable and clearly appears to be having a great deal of fun throughout the production. Both the returning performers and the new additions seem fully invested in their respective roles, with that enthusiasm translating naturally to the screen. Their chemistry, charisma, and overall presence remain one of the film’s greatest strengths, much like they were in the original The Devil Wears Prada. That being said, some characters are better developed and receive stronger narrative payoffs than others.
Leading the charge once again are the two central stars of the Prada films, Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep, who reprise their roles as Andrea “Andy” Sachs and Miranda Priestly. Hathaway, known for films such as The Princess Diaries, Les Misérables, and Interstellar, has built an impressive and diverse career over the years, successfully balancing both leading and supporting roles across multiple genres. Her performance as Andy Sachs in the original The Devil Wears Prada was a major reason why that film worked so well, giving audiences a relatable and endearing protagonist through which to experience the intimidating world of fashion.
Fortunately, Hathaway slips back into the role with remarkable ease. She brings the same warmth, sincerity, and charm that made Andy such a likable character in the first place, while also allowing the character to display a greater sense of maturity that naturally comes with the passage of time. Hathaway handles the various emotional and dramatic moments effectively, showcasing Andy’s growth while still maintaining the qualities that made her appealing from the beginning. Admittedly, Andy’s overall character arc feels somewhat familiar, once again placing her within the orbit of Runway Magazine and forcing her to navigate the challenges that come with that environment. While I do wish the screenplay had given her a little more substance and complexity to work with, the character remains engaging throughout the film, and Hathaway continues to be a delight to watch in the role.
Likewise, Meryl Streep returns as Miranda Priestly and once again proves why the character remains one of the most iconic figures in modern cinema. Known for acclaimed performances in films such as Out of Africa, Into the Woods, and Mamma Mia!, Streep’s reputation as one of the industry’s finest actresses is well deserved. Her portrayal of Miranda in the original film was a masterclass in controlled intimidation, delivering razor-sharp dialogue and icy expressions that made the character both fascinating and unforgettable. In many ways, Miranda became the defining element of The Devil Wears Prada.
Unsurprisingly, Streep once again steals nearly every scene she appears in throughout Prada 2. She effortlessly slips back into the role, performing as though no time has passed since the original film. Whether delivering cutting remarks, subtle reactions, or moments of vulnerability, Streep understands exactly what makes Miranda such a compelling character. While the screenplay occasionally softens some of the character’s sharper edges, Streep still manages to inject plenty of attitude, confidence, and wit into the performance.
Like Andy, Miranda’s overall narrative path follows a fairly predictable trajectory, often revisiting familiar themes and story beats established in the original movie. However, given the sequel’s intentionally comforting and nostalgic approach, I never found this to be a major issue. Instead, it feels like a natural continuation of the character’s journey. Miranda Priestly may be older and facing a changing world, but she remains every bit the commanding force that audiences remember, with Streep once again delivering an exhilarating performance that stands among the film’s greatest strengths.
In more prominent supporting roles, veteran performers Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones and Conclave) and Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer and Mary Poppins Returns) reprise their respective Prada roles as Nigel Kipling, Miranda’s trusted right-hand man at Runway Magazine, and Emily Charlton, Miranda’s former assistant who has since become a senior executive at Dior. Much like the film’s two leads, Tucci and Blunt slide effortlessly back into their characters as though no time has passed since the original movie.
Tucci remains at the top of his game as Nigel, once again delivering the character’s trademark wisdom, dry humor, and witty observations with impeccable timing. Meanwhile, I was particularly curious about how the film would incorporate Blunt’s Emily into the story, given where the original movie left her character. Fortunately, the screenplay finds a meaningful way to bring her back into the narrative, particularly during the latter half of the film. Both Nigel and Emily prove to be valuable additions to the sequel, and Tucci and Blunt once again provide strong supporting performances that help elevate the material.
Two smaller supporting characters also return from the original Devil Wears Prada. Actor Tibor Feldman (Enchanted and The International) reprises his role as Irv Ravitz, the chairman of Runway Magazine’s parent company, Elias-Clarke, while actress Tracie Thoms (Rent and Death Proof) returns as Andy’s longtime friend, Lily. Neither character receives a substantial amount of screen time, and both remain largely limited by their supporting roles within the story. Nevertheless, it was nice to see Feldman and Thoms return, with both actors slipping comfortably back into their familiar characters.
Prada 2 also introduces several new faces into the mix, adding fresh personalities, new conflicts, and additional layers to the story. Among them, the most prominent newcomer is Benji Barnes, a wealthy business mogul and Emily’s new romantic interest, portrayed by Justin Theroux (American Psycho and The Girl on the Train). Theroux appears to be having a great deal of fun with the role, fully embracing the character’s charm, eccentricities, and occasional obnoxious tendencies. While Benji is not particularly complex, he serves his narrative purpose well and functions as an effective obstacle for several of the film’s central characters. More importantly, Theroux’s natural charisma makes the character consistently entertaining whenever he appears on screen.
Serving as more of an antagonistic presence is Jay Ravitz, Irv’s son and the heir apparent to the Elias-Clarke empire, who is portrayed by B.J. Novak (The Office and Inglourious Basterds). Like many of the performers involved in the project, Novak seems to understand exactly what type of movie Prada 2 is and embraces the opportunity to lean into the role. He gives Jay the personality of a wealthy tech entrepreneur, complete with confidence, ambition, and a certain level of arrogance that often clashes with Miranda Priestly’s more traditional worldview. This generational and ideological conflict creates some of the film’s more interesting dynamics and helps reinforce the story’s broader themes regarding change, modernization, and the future of the fashion industry.
The last of the major newcomers comes in the form of Peter, an architect and Andy’s primary love interest in the film, who is portrayed by Patrick Brammall (Colin from Accounts and Glitch). Honestly, I found Peter to be a much better romantic match for Andy Sachs, particularly this older and more mature version of the character presented in Prada 2. In that regard, the relationship works quite well. My only real criticism is that the subplot itself never fully meshes with the movie’s primary narrative. As a result, certain aspects of the romance feel somewhat disconnected and clunky in their execution. Nevertheless, I enjoyed Brammall’s performance and found Peter to be a far more appealing love interest than either Nate Cooper (Adrian Grenier) or Christian Thompson (Simon Baker) from the original Devil Wears Prada.
Additionally, actor and director Kenneth Branagh (Thor and Hamlet) delivers a small yet charming performance as Stuart Simmons, Miranda’s newest husband. To be honest, I suspect there was originally more material planned for the character that was ultimately trimmed to help keep the film’s runtime manageable. That’s somewhat disappointing because I felt there was additional potential to explore both Stuart and his relationship with Miranda. Even so, Branagh makes the most of his limited screen time, and he shares a believable chemistry with Meryl Streep that makes their relationship feel genuine and convincing.
The remainder of the supporting cast includes Lucy Liu (Ally McBeal and Kill Bill) as Benji’s ex-wife Sasha Barnes; Simone Ashley (Bridgerton and Sex Education) as Miranda’s current first assistant, Amari Mari; Caleb Hearon (Jurassic World: Dominion and Pizza Movie) as Miranda’s second assistant, Charlie; Heleen J. Shen, making her feature-film debut, as Andy’s assistant Jin Chao; Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Trolls World Tour) as Andy’s friend Talia; Larry Mitchell (Paterno and We Own This City) as Andy’s journalist friend Mack; and George C. Wolfe (Rustin and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) alongside Pauline Chalamet (The King of Staten Island and The Sex Lives of College Girls) as Runway editors Paul and Ilana, respectively.
Most of these characters occupy relatively minor supporting roles throughout Prada 2, with some receiving more attention than others. In fact, there were several moments where it felt as though the screenplay originally intended to give certain characters larger roles before scaling them back during rewrites or post-production editing. Even so, despite their limited screen presence, the actors involved all deliver solid performances and contribute positively to the film whenever they appear.
FINAL THOUGHTS
After reaching a setback in her journalism career, Andy Sachs receives an unexpected invitation to return to Runway Magazine and work once again alongside her former icy and demanding boss in The Devil Wears Prada 2. Director David Frankel’s latest film revisits the fashionable world first introduced in 2006, bringing audiences back into the orbit of industry powerhouse Miranda Priestly through the eyes of a more mature, yet still eager, Andy Sachs. The movie takes many of the elements that made the original film so beloved and builds upon them, resulting in a sequel that successfully captures much of that same charm and appeal. While certain ideas are somewhat uneven in their execution and the latter half occasionally feels overcrowded with storylines and characters, the film nevertheless manages to remain highly entertaining throughout. Much of that success can be attributed to Frankel’s direction, the film’s witty humor and dialogue, its breezy narrative approach, stylish visual presentation, and the strong performances delivered by both returning cast members and newcomers alike. Personally, I liked this movie. No, it doesn’t surpass the original film, and I do believe the sequel occasionally tries to juggle too many ideas within a single feature. However, at the end of the day, it remains a fun and comforting viewing experience from beginning to end. Was it pleasant to watch? Absolutely. Is it better than the original? No. Could it have been better? Certainly. Does it possess the same type of replay value that made the first movie so enjoyable? Without a doubt, and I believe that is where the film truly shines. As such, my recommendation for The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a solid “Recommended,” particularly for fans of the original film. This is the type of movie that works perfectly as a casual night at the theater, a date-night selection, or even as a comfortable rewatch while relaxing at home. The film’s conclusion feels definitive and offers a satisfying, wholesome ending, though it still leaves the door slightly open for a potential The Devil Wears Prada 3. If the story is strong and both Hathaway and Streep are willing to return, I would certainly be interested in seeing another installment. Overall, The Devil Wears Prada 2 may not eclipse the stylish legacy of its predecessor, but it confidently embraces what made the original special, delivering a fashionable, funny, and thoroughly enjoyable return to the world of Runway Magazine.
3.9 Out of 5 (Recommended)
The Official Website for The Devil Wears Prada 2 Link: HERE
Released On: May 1st, 2026
Reviewed On: May 31st, 2026
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is 119 minutes long and is rated PG-13 for strong language and some suggestive references