The Wasteland Reviewer

The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026) Written Review

What is one of the most popular films about fashion in the 21^st century? The Devil Wears Prada has stood in pop culture for the past 20 years and still is loved by so many. Meryl Streep delivers such an iconic performance as Miranda Priestly. The core four cast members are all amazing, with Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt shining as younger performers. You even have a character actor like Stanley Tucci standing out as the beloved Nigel (many people’s favorite characters in the whole film). After 20 years, this core four and director David Frankel have returned to the big screen with The Devil Wears Prada 2. 

Does the screenplay from Aline Brosh McKenna screenplay deliver an experience that feels justified? There are so many sequels that never feel like they justify their existence outside of making money…that is not the case with The Devil Wears Prada 2. Where the first film focused deeply on the clothing of the fashion industry, this sequel is a synergy of Andy’s past at Runway and here for the last 20 years being a journalist. There is an intriguing exploration of the current state of journalism and industry in general with financial challenges and accelerating technology. Andy losing her job and getting an opportunity to revamp the journalistic leg of Runway feels like a perfect continuation of her journey. The place where each of the other core characters is taken is quite interesting as well. Miranda is pushed into a place where her long rein for success might be threatened. Nigel continues to be the stalwart for both Andy and Miranda with a sliver of hope of getting something more for himself. Emily Blunt’s Emily becomes quite an interesting antagonistic force where she looks to get out of the shadow of Miranda. There are plenty of other smaller characters who are fun additions with some of them feeling a bit unnecessary (including a new love interest for Andy). The themes are rich. The characters feel lived in. The story moves so well with a good sense of growth and mystery. There is plenty of humor and tension sprinkled in. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a wonderfully charming and engaging story.

How does Frankel support this wonderfully engaging experience from behind the camera? You are generally not watching a film like The Devil Wears Prada for its impressive filmmaking technique (or the sequel), but it certainly has the right vibe and tone. There is a sleek sheen to the film that gives it a metropolitan and contemporary feel to the experience. The camera’s gaze (by cinematographer Florian Ballhaus) is in love with the fashion and striking looking people throughout the film. When the film gets to its climactic Milan fashion show, you are drawn into the environment so effectively. The film has an energetic and engrossing pace to it. There are no slow or uninteresting moments throughout the runtime (which makes the two-hour runtime fly by). There is plenty of sharp, fun humor but that does not get in the way of some genuine emotion and earnest connection that appear throughout the film. Frankel completely understood the mission and found exactly how to execute that vision.

How does the cast work in the mix? This is an excellent central crew of performers that just anchors the film down. First off, Hathaway does it all. She is radiant with her charming energy and personality. Andy is so empathetic and relatable due to the care that Hathaway puts into this performance. More importantly, she nails the big emotions that surface a few times throughout the film. Wherever the story takes Andy, Hathaway meets the challenge. Streep is a presence for sure (as always) but it is through subtly that she shines. There are so many moments where Streep can convey a stream of emotions with just a look or small movement. Her presence is cool, intimidating, and (most importantly) power. Stanley Tucci is a revelation. His character work as Nigel is unmatched (especially considering just how subtle and lowkey his acting choices are). He brings an unexpected warmth and tenderness underneath his fashion judgment and cool. Tucci’s Nigel is honestly the best part of either of these films. Emily Blunt is more mature and filled with even more sass and judgment as the assistant turned Dior employee. Blunt’s effect leads to plenty of tension and laughs along the way. There are plenty of other familiar faces sprinkled throughout the film as well (fitting into their places well). Justin Theroux, Kenneth Branagh, and Lucy Liu are some high-profile talents who have their moments throughout the film. There are few fun stand outs who make a more comedic impact like Caleb Hearon and Patrick Brammall. There are plenty of fun surprises along the way with some celebrity cameos that make a splash. 

Is The Devil Wears Prada 2 a worthwhile sequel? After 20 years, you might not expect a film like this to be a successful sequel, but Frankel shows otherwise. The core quartet brings all the love and energy back to these beloved roles. The story is an engaging and interesting evolution of Andy and Miranda’s story. There are some strong thematic elements as well that feel so prescient and meaningful today. Infinitely entertaining, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a wonderful new cinematic experience.