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Miranda Priestly Returns: Everything We Know About 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' Coming May 2026

"Took you long enough." With just three words and a signature glare over her sunglasses, Meryl Streep's Miranda Priestly reminded us why she remains one of cinema's most iconic characters. On November 12, 2025, 20th Century Studios released the first teaser trailer for The Devil Wears Prada 2, confirming what millions of fans have been begging for since 2006: Miranda, Andy, and Emily are officially back. The 52-second teaser, set to Madonna's "Vogue," shows Streep's Miranda strutting down the halls of Runway magazine in red studded stilettos before stepping into an elevator. Just as the doors begin to close, a hand stops them—revealing Anne Hathaway's Andy Sachs, now equally glamorous and confident. As Andy slips on her own dark sunglasses and smirks, Miranda delivers that perfect line: "Took you long enough." It's both a jab at Andy's timing and a cheeky acknowledgment to fans who've waited nearly two decades for this moment. And if early reactions are any indication, the wait was worth it. From Rumors to Reality: The Journey to Production The road to The Devil Wears Prada 2 has been anything but straightforward. Despite the original film's massive success—grossing over $326 million worldwide and earning two Oscar nominations—a sequel seemed unlikely for years. In April 2024, Anne Hathaway herself told reporters, "I wouldn't hold out too much hope," and explained on The View that she thought the movie "was in a different era." Meryl Streep was even more emphatic in interviews over the years, reportedly expressing little interest in revisiting the role. The demanding nature of playing Miranda—including Streep's method approach that left her isolated and miserable in her trailer between takes—made a return seem improbable. But everything changed in July 2024 when Puck magazine revealed Disney was developing a sequel with screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna returning to write the script. By June 30, 2025, production officially began with the announcement that Streep, Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci were all locked in to reprise their roles. David Frankel, director of the original film, returned to helm the sequel, with original producer Wendy Finerman also back on board. The rapid turnaround from skepticism to production was largely credited to McKenna's screenplay, which reportedly convinced even the reluctant Streep that there was a story worth telling. Principal photography wrapped on October 20, 2025, after four months of filming across New York City, Milan, and other locations. The Plot: Print is Dead, But Miranda Isn't While plot details remain under wraps, the general premise follows Miranda Priestly as she navigates her career amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing—a painfully relevant storyline in today's media landscape. The fashion editor-in-chief who once wielded absolute power now faces a changing industry where print circulation is plummeting and digital media dominates. Enter Emily Charlton. Emily Blunt's character, once Miranda's trembling junior assistant, is now a high-powered executive for a luxury conglomerate holding all the advertising dollars that Runway desperately needs. The power dynamic has flipped, setting up what promises to be a delicious confrontation between two women who understand the fashion world's ruthlessness better than anyone. This shift addresses one of the more interesting aspects of the original film's legacy: while audiences rooted for Andy to escape Miranda's tyranny, many also recognized Miranda as a woman succeeding in an industry that demanded perfection while offering no mercy. The sequel appears poised to explore what happens when that success becomes vulnerable. As for Andy Sachs, we know she returns—looking far more confident and stylish than the bumbling recent graduate we met in 2006. What role she plays in this power struggle remains mysterious, but the teaser suggests she's no longer running away from the fashion world. She's walking right back into it. The Star-Studded Cast: Who's Back and Who's New The core four are all returning: Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly, Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs, Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton, and Stanley Tucci as Nigel Kipling, the art director who mentored Andy through her Runway trial by fire. Also reprising their roles are Tracie Thoms as Lily, Andy's best friend from the first film, and Tibor Feldman as Irv Ravitz, the chairman of Runway's parent company Elias-Clark. Their return suggests the sequel will maintain connections to the original while expanding the story. The new additions to the cast are equally impressive. Kenneth Branagh joins as Miranda's husband—an intriguing choice given that Miranda's personal life was barely explored in the first film. Will we finally see the legendary editor-in-chief vulnerable in her private life? Simone Ashley, breakout star of Bridgerton, has been cast in an undisclosed role that's generating intense speculation among fans. Other notable additions include Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, Pauline Chalamet, Rachel Bloom, and Patrick Brammall—who will play Andy's new love interest. That last detail brings us to perhaps the most celebrated casting news: Adrian Grenier will not be returning as Nate, Andy's insufferable boyfriend from the original film. Nate's character—who complained constantly about Andy's demanding job while offering zero support—has aged particularly poorly with modern audiences. His absence has been met with universal approval, with Entertainment Weekly confirming he won't appear in the sequel. Behind the Camera: The Creative Team Returns One of the sequel's greatest strengths is the return of its original creative team. David Frankel, whose direction balanced the film's comedic moments with genuine emotional stakes, is back in the director's chair. His experience with the material and understanding of what made the original work provides crucial continuity. Aline Brosh McKenna's return as screenwriter may be the most important element. McKenna transformed Lauren Weisberger's novel into a screenplay that was wickedly funny, surprisingly thoughtful, and endlessly quotable. Her dialogue gave Streep's Miranda some of cinema's most memorable lines ("That's all" and "By all means, move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me" among them). If anyone can capture lightning in a bottle twice, it's McKenna. Producer Wendy Finerman, who won an Oscar for Forrest Gump, rounds out the returning creative team. Her involvement ensures production values matching or exceeding the original's luxurious fashion-world aesthetic. Filming Highlights: From New York to Milan Fashion Week Production began in earnest on June 30, 2025, with the main cast spotted filming throughout New York City. On July 21, Anne Hathaway was photographed in a vibrant color-block linen maxi dress by luxury designer Gabriela Hearst—a far cry from Andy's frumpy outfits at the beginning of the first film. The production made headlines when Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci filmed scenes at Dolce & Gabbana's Milan Fashion Week show on September 27, 2025. The decision to incorporate real fashion events adds authenticity and creates marketing synergy—the film will likely premiere just before the May 2026 Met Gala, maximizing its cultural impact. Perhaps most exciting for fashion enthusiasts was the October appearance of Donatella Versace on set, filming what's been confirmed as a cameo. If Versace is involved, expect other fashion industry legends to make appearances. Lady Gaga was also announced to have a role in the film, though details remain under wraps. An important airport scene was shot at Newark on September 10, with additional filming taking place in Milan from October 6-18. The international locations suggest Miranda's influence—and the fashion world itself—extends far beyond New York's publishing offices. The Cultural Moment: Why Now? The Devil Wears Prada's enduring popularity is remarkable. Nearly two decades after its release, the film is quoted constantly on social media, has spawned countless memes, and introduced phrases like "Florals for spring? Groundbreaking" into the cultural lexicon. A successful stage musical adaptation, starring Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly with music by Elton John, is currently playing to sold-out crowds in London's West End. But beyond nostalgia, the sequel arrives at a culturally relevant moment. The original film captured the fashion industry at the peak of print magazine power—when Anna Wintour (the real-life inspiration for Miranda) could make or break careers with a single decision. Today, that world is collapsing under the weight of digital disruption, social media influencers, and changing consumer habits. The sequel's premise—Miranda fighting to maintain relevance as traditional media crumbles—resonates with every industry facing technological disruption. It's a story about power, adaptation, and what happens when the rules that elevated you suddenly change. In that sense, The Devil Wears Prada 2 could be even more relevant than its predecessor. What the Stars Are Saying The cast's enthusiasm for the sequel has been palpable, even when they were contractually obligated to remain coy. At the 2024 SAG Awards, Streep, Hathaway, and Blunt reunited onstage, delighting fans and fueling sequel speculation. Hathaway even briefly reprised her role during the presentation, showing she hadn't lost Andy's nervous energy. Emily Blunt told People magazine that she thought the positive reaction to sequel news was "cool" and joked that she just wanted to "get some good eye makeup going again." In June 2025, before filming began, she admitted to Entertainment Tonight, "It's so weird, I haven't even read a script, I don't know. I'm just like, where is she, I don't know." Stanley Tucci, when pressed about the project, remained diplomatically vague but told Entertainment Tonight he was "very excited...if it happens." His cautious optimism proved warranted when production officially began weeks later. In a 2021 Entertainment Weekly reunion interview with Blunt and Hathaway, Meryl Streep revealed just how miserable she was during the original production due to her method approach: "It was horrible! I was [miserable] in my trailer." Streep also mentioned she'd avoid method acting in stilettos this time—a relief for everyone involved. Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt's Variety "Actors on Actors" conversation late last year provided the clearest indication that something special was brewing. "We just had a joy bomb of a time on that movie. I don't know if any of us knew it was going to become what it did. It's quoted to me every week. It will be the movie that changed my life," Blunt said. Hathaway added, "So we're in the The Devil Wears Prada club together." Fashion Forward: Costume Expectations One of the original film's greatest achievements was its costume design by Patricia Field, who earned an Oscar nomination for her work. Field's genius was creating distinct visual identities for each character while showcasing high fashion in accessible ways. Andy's transformation from frumpy to fabulous became a character arc told largely through wardrobe. While Field's involvement in the sequel hasn't been confirmed, the glimpses we've seen suggest the costume design will be equally spectacular. Hathaway's on-set look in Gabriela Hearst already signals that Andy has fully embraced high fashion, while Streep's red studded stilettos in the teaser are pure Miranda—bold, commanding, and impossible to ignore. Given the film's May 2026 release date—strategically positioned just before the Met Gala—expect the costumes to generate significant fashion press and potentially influence actual trends. The original film made cerulean blue a cultural touchstone and legitimized fashion as serious business. The sequel has the opportunity to comment on how fashion has democratized through social media while remaining aspirational. The Release Strategy: Timing is Everything The Devil Wears Prada 2 is scheduled for theatrical release on May 1, 2026—originally the release date for Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday before that film was rescheduled. The May 1 date is strategically brilliant, positioning the film as counter-programming to superhero blockbusters while arriving just days before the Met Gala on May 4, 2026. The Met Gala timing is particularly savvy. As fashion's biggest night, it will dominate social media and entertainment news the week the film opens. The cultural conversation will already be focused on fashion, haute couture, and celebrity style—creating perfect synergy for a film about the fashion industry's power players. The theatrical release confirms 20th Century Studios' confidence in the film's commercial potential. In an era where many films debut directly on streaming platforms, a theatrical release signals belief that audiences will show up for Miranda, Andy, and Emily's return. What We Can Expect: Themes and Conflicts Based on available information, several themes seem likely to emerge: The Changing Media Landscape: Miranda's struggle with print media's decline mirrors real-world challenges. How does someone who built their empire on one set of rules adapt when those rules fundamentally change? This isn't just about fashion magazines—it's about every industry facing disruption. Power Dynamics Reversed: Emily as Miranda's potential adversary flips the original dynamic. The woman who once begged for approval now holds the purse strings. Will she seek revenge for years of degradation, or has she learned from Miranda's example? Andy's Return: Why does Andy come back to the fashion world she escaped? Has she realized that running away from something doesn't resolve it? Or does she have unfinished business with Miranda? Female Ambition: The original film was remarkable for showing female ambition without apology. Miranda was demanding and difficult, but also brilliant and accomplished. The sequel has the opportunity to explore how women navigate power, competition, and mentorship in complex ways that defy simple narratives. Industry Evolution: How has fashion changed in two decades? The rise of influencers, streetwear's dominance, sustainability concerns, and social media's impact all reshape the landscape Miranda once ruled. The Verdict: Can Lightning Strike Twice? Sequels to beloved films are notoriously difficult to execute successfully. For every Godfather Part II, there are countless disappointing follow-ups that diminish their predecessors. The Devil Wears Prada 2 faces enormous expectations and the challenge of capturing what made the original special while telling a fresh story. However, several factors suggest reasons for optimism. The return of the original creative team—Frankel directing, McKenna writing, Finerman producing—ensures creative continuity. The entire main cast returning shows their confidence in the material. And unlike many cash-grab sequels, this one appears to have a legitimate story to tell about an industry in transition. Most importantly, the teaser trailer captures the original's tone perfectly. In 52 seconds, it delivers humor, style, attitude, and that ineffable magic that made the first film a classic. Miranda's "Took you long enough" is already being quoted across social media, proving that McKenna's sharp dialogue and the cast's chemistry remain intact. The film also benefits from lower stakes than a typical blockbuster sequel. It doesn't need to top the original's box office (adjusted for inflation, that would require earning over $450 million globally). It simply needs to deliver an entertaining, well-crafted story that honors what fans loved while offering something new. Based on everything we know, that seems achievable. What Happens Next: The Marketing Campaign With the first teaser released, expect a carefully orchestrated marketing campaign leading up to the May 2026 release. Likely beats include: Full trailer release (February/March 2026): Expanding on the teaser with actual dialogue and plot details Fashion magazine covers (March/April 2026): Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and other publications featuring cast interviews Behind-the-scenes content: Documentary-style looks at costume design, location shooting, and cast reunions Social media activation: Viral marketing campaigns leveraging the film's quotable dialogue and iconic moments Met Gala coordination: Expect cast members at the May 4, 2026 Met Gala promoting the film Fashion brand partnerships: Collaborations with luxury brands featured in the film The marketing will likely emphasize both nostalgia for longtime fans and accessibility for younger audiences discovering the original through streaming platforms. The Bottom Line: Gird Your Loins After 19 years of speculation, false starts, and fan campaigns, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is really happening. With filming complete, a release date set, and a first teaser that perfectly captures the original's magic, there's genuine reason for excitement. Miranda Priestly navigating a declining industry while facing off against her former assistant-turned-power player is a premise worthy of exploration. Add Anne Hathaway's return as a more confident Andy, a star-studded supporting cast, and the creative team that made the original a classic, and you have all the ingredients for a satisfying sequel. Will it match or surpass the original? That's impossible to predict. But based on the teaser alone, it's clear that everyone involved understands what made The Devil Wears Prada special: sharp writing, committed performances, gorgeous visuals, and the courage to show ambitious women as complex, flawed, and fascinating. As Miranda herself might say, "Please bore someone else with your questions." We'll all find out on May 1, 2026. Until then, rewatch the original, practice your best Miranda glare in the mirror, and prepare for the most anticipated fashion film reunion in cinema history.

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