As Miranda Priestly nears retirement, she reunites with Andy Sachs to face off against her former assistant turned rival: Emily Charlton.
When “The Devil Wears Prada 2” trailer debuted in November 2025, I didn’t feel much anticipation. I watched the first movie on DVD, years after its release, and while the performances were undeniably strong, the film never quite connected with me—fashion was never my scene. My feelings toward it were pretty neutral, so I didn’t expect much from the follow-up. Still, with twenty years gone by and a more receptive outlook, I went to the press screening for the sequel with no expectations. To my delight, I ended up having a great time—far more than I thought I would. This was largely due to the powerhouse original cast—Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci—who deliver remarkable performances. I caught myself genuinely laughing at several points, and the story struck an emotional chord without veering into melodrama.
Set exactly two decades after the first installment, the sequel finds Andy (Anne Hathaway) as an acclaimed journalist with a globe-trotting career. When her employer restructures and lays off her team, Andy writes a powerful article about the dismissals, quickly gaining widespread attention online. At the same time, Runway is embroiled in scandal after reports emerge about sweatshop labor, sending the company’s stock into freefall and putting Miranda (Meryl Streep) and Nigel (Stanley Tucci) in the hot seat. In an attempt to repair Runway’s reputation, its CEO, Ira (Tibor Feldman), and his son, Jay (B.J. Novak), invite Andy to become Head of News Features, inspired by the impact of her viral piece. This decision, however, blindsides Miranda, who feels undermined and is far from pleased by Andy’s return.
Meanwhile, Emily (Emily Blunt), who once served as Miranda’s assistant, now holds a top executive role at Dior, Runway’s main competitor. As Andy steps into her demanding new position, she quickly realizes she’s in over her head. Eager to regain Miranda’s approval, Andy finds herself continually facing obstacles. When she learns that Miranda has long hoped to interview reclusive billionaire artist Sasha Barnes (Lucy Liu), Andy becomes determined to make it happen. Pulling off this feat seems to soften Miranda’s rigid exterior, especially as rumors circulate that Ira plans to promote Miranda to Editor-in-Chief at his upcoming birthday party. But the celebration takes a tragic turn when Ira dies suddenly of a heart attack, leaving Jay in charge. Jay wastes no time in proposing sweeping budget cuts and department closures, placing Miranda, Nigel, and Andy’s jobs on the line.
Before Jay’s changes come into effect, Miranda, Nigel, and Andy travel to Europe to attend a major fashion event hosted by Runway. While there, Andy confides in Emily about the company’s uncertain future under Jay’s leadership. Determined to help Miranda, Andy comes up with a risky plan—without informing Miranda or Nigel—one that might save the company and everyone’s jobs, but she needs Emily’s cooperation. Emily agrees to help, but unexpected complications arise, and the fallout is more severe than Andy had bargained for.
Even after twenty years, both in the fictional world and reality, the ensemble slips back into their characters effortlessly. Streep’s Miranda is as intimidating and icy as ever, but the film offers glimpses of her softer side, revealing a layer of vulnerability beneath her tough façade. Tucci’s Nigel remains Miranda’s loyal confidant, always calm and supportive, and in a touching scene, Miranda finally expresses her gratitude for his unwavering loyalty. Emily Blunt’s character has entered a romantic relationship with Sasha Barnes’ ex-husband, Benji (Justin Theroux), a billionaire whose unwavering devotion to her is matched only by his comedic naivety. Blunt portrays Emily as ambitious and razor-sharp, yet ultimately learns that honesty and friendship matter most.
Anne Hathaway’s Andy is still driven and resourceful, but she’s no longer the wide-eyed newcomer. Her years working as a journalist abroad have readied her for the pressures of her new role, though her dynamic with Miranda remains as intricate as ever. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” might be a sequel no one saw coming or particularly wanted, since the original wrapped up the characters’ arcs so neatly. Yet, seeing their lives two decades later and watching them tackle fresh challenges, it’s clear this continuation is both justified and worthwhile.
In Theaters Friday, May 1st
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