The Devil Wears Prada 2 review: A bigger and bolder sequel that feels like being reacquainted with old friends

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A star rating of 4 out of 5.

It’s often disappointing when long-awaited sequels don’t live up to the originals – think of films like Freaky Friday, Mary Poppins Returns, or Zoolander 2. But The Devil Wears Prada 2, arriving twenty years after the first film, successfully revisits the world of Runway magazine, a fictional fashion publication clearly inspired by Vogue. Thankfully, the original cast is back, including Meryl Streep reprising her iconic role as Miranda Priestly, the intimidating editor-in-chief (who’s playfully nicknamed “Beastly”).

The story picks up with Priestly still working at Runway magazine, but things aren’t going well. The print version is failing – readership is down and most readers have moved online, where all that matters is website traffic. It’s a familiar challenge for magazines in today’s world.

To make matters worse, Miranda makes a damaging mistake by publicly supporting a brand known for unfair labor practices, sparking public anger. This error in judgment is so serious that her bosses decide to bring back Andy Sachs – one of Miranda’s former assistants who left twenty years prior to become an investigative journalist – hoping she can help fix the situation.

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Now the features editor, Andy is determined to improve the quality of the magazine’s content. She passionately believes that journalism remains important, though she seems to operate under the assumption that wealthy investors will casually acquire media companies. It’s a well-intentioned view, one most journalists would share, even if it’s a bit unrealistic.

It’s definitely a bit of a fantasy, but The Devil Wears Prada – both the 2006 film and the book by Lauren Weisberger – has always been about dreaming of a glamorous life in New York City. It’s similar to Sex and the City, though a bit more toned down.

Stanley Tucci returns as the charming Nigel, and Andy reconnects with Emily Blunt as Emily, who used to be Miranda’s strict assistant. Now a Christian Dior executive, Emily subtly enjoys having the upper hand when a scandal involving sweatshops threatens Miranda’s reputation. This shift in power is satisfying to watch, and while it could have been developed more, Emily gets some of the funniest lines, like her playful warning to Andy: “Don’t carb shame me!” when they’re ordering food.

The cast also features Kenneth Branagh, playing Stuart, a musician and Miranda’s second husband – a role that doesn’t give him enough to do. Simone Ashley from Bridgerton joins as Amari, Miranda’s latest assistant, and she perfectly captures the same fashionable and snobby attitude as Emily Blunt’s character.

Lucy Liu plays Sasha, a withdrawn fashion designer, and Justin Theroux plays Benji, her former partner and a wealthy businessman. Andy tries to get an interview with Sasha to improve online interest in Runway magazine.

The sequel, written by the original movie’s screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, delivers on the promise of a good follow-up by expanding the scope and raising the stakes. Director Frankel takes us to glamorous locations like the Met Gala in New York and Milan, showcasing the exclusive world of Miranda and her friends. And the costumes, designed by Molly Rogers, are absolutely stunning – expect to see them become instant fashion trends!

The movie definitely includes cameos, some of which feel unnecessary (like Amelia Dimoldenberg promoting her Chicken Shop Date videos) or just don’t make much sense (who expected Rory McIlroy?). Lady Gaga also appears in the film and contributed a new, upbeat song called Runway.

Look, the celebrity endorsements felt pretty predictable, honestly. They didn’t really add anything to the show, much like the rather random romance between Andy and this contractor, Patrick Brammall. But overall? It was a genuinely fun watch. It felt like catching up with a group of old friends – comfortable, familiar, and just…nice.

The sequel to The Devil Wears Prada hits UK cinemas on May 1st, and the movie’s soundtrack will be available the same day. You can hear the song “Runway” now on your favorite music streaming platforms.

Authors

James Mottram

James Mottram is a London-based film critic, journalist, and author.

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2026-04-29 19:36