First Reactions Are In: The Devil Wears Prada 2 Is Chic and Surprising — But Can It Ever Outshine the Original?

Well, file this under, 'sequels I wasn't expecting, but here we are': after nearly 20 years, The Devil Wears Prada is trying on its stiletto heels again for a sequel. The Devil Wears Prada 2 officially hits theaters May 1, 2026, and the early buzz is rolling in. Let’s walk through what’s happening, who’s coming back, what’s changing, and—most importantly—what people are actually saying about this unexpected return to Runway magazine’s cutthroat world.

Runway, Revisited: The Plot Thickens (And Possibly Grows Up)

The original Devil Wears Prada (2006, if that makes you feel old) rocketed Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs from frumpy grad to fashion’s inner sanctum, all under the withering glare of Meryl Streep’s iconic Miranda Priestly. It was funny, sharp, and genuinely glamorous—plus, Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt made every scene even juicier. Now, the same core team is back: Streep, Hathaway, Blunt, and Tucci are slipping into their old roles like they never left. Director David Frankel and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna are also returning, so at least it’s not a reboot with a TikTok star.

This time, it’s not just nostalgia. The sequel reportedly deals with how 'untouchable' media empires of the 2000s have been humbled—and now depend on the rich just to survive. Honestly, that’s more bite than I expected. The film zeros in on the current chaos of journalism, the ever-shifting media landscape, and the fading power of old-school institutions. If you’ve been paying any attention to the media circus lately, that’ll probably hit a little close to home.

Who’s On the Guest List?

Apart from the all-star OG team (Streep, Hathaway, Blunt, Tucci), we’re getting a fresh batch of faces: Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, Pauline Chalamet, B.J. Novak, and Conrad Ricamora are all onboard. Also, Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman—aka Lily and Irv, if you’re a completist—are reprising their roles.

Behind-the-scenes, Wendy Finerman is producing again, joined by executive producers Michael Bederman, Karen Rosenfelt, and McKenna. So yeah, pretty much everyone you’d want (and a few you might need to Google).

Early Reactions—From Skeptics to Superfans

Test screenings and early press showings are already happening, so critics jumped onto Twitter to drop their hot takes. Here’s where things get interesting—the vibes are all over the place.

• Some viewers felt the sequel brings the right dose of escapism—with an unexpected undercurrent of sadness about how the fashion/media empires of old are now clinging to billionaire backers instead of thriving on their own. (That’s not exactly comforting, but hey, honesty counts for something.)
• Others are way more muted, calling the sequel 'fine' and admitting that, while the story is timely, the movie itself wasn’t especially 'necessary.' (One of those 'OK, but why?' situations.)
• Die-hard fans, though… they’re all in. There’s a lot of love for the chemistry between Streep, Hathaway, and Blunt—no surprise, they're pros. Some even preferred this round to the original thanks to smart, up-to-the-minute takes on journalism, and a more confident (maybe less naïve?) tone.
• Several people are highlighting how the movie gives proper time to the entire cast this time, so side characters actually get to breathe. One went so far as to say it's 'better than the original'—yeah, that's a bold claim.
• The main throughline? The performances absolutely hold up: Streep is still icy perfection, Hathaway sharp as ever, and Emily Blunt and Tucci click right back into place.

'Devil Wears Prada 2 is good escapism but also tinged with a welcome note of sadness for how – in the 20 years since the first – the formerly untouchable institutions now totally depend on the largess of the ultra rich. An unexpectedly honest aspect that elevates it somewhat.'

Yes, some were skeptical, but a few walked away surprised and even emotional—which, let’s be honest, almost never happens with these kinds of legacy sequels.

Final Stitch

So here’s where things land: The Devil Wears Prada 2 is shaping up as a sequel that’s self-aware, smart, and a little heavier (in a good way) than you might expect. Some viewers think the nostalgia factor alone is enough; others are genuinely impressed by how it takes on the real-world struggles of media today. Is it a classic in the making? Time (and ticket sales) will tell.

Oh, and if you’re curious: one fan famously brought her Labubu plush dressed to the nines at an early screening, which seems about right for a movie this fashion obsessed.

In short: the performances are killer, the themes are current, the nostalgia is strong, and whether or not it was 'needed,' the Prada machine is officially rolling again.