Nearly two decades after the original film became a cultural phenomenon, The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2025) brings fashion, ambition, and drama roaring back to the big screen. Directed by David Frankel, with returning stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, this long-awaited sequel dives deep into the evolving landscape of fashion and media—with all the elegance and ruthlessness fans have come to expect.

Plot Overview (Mild Spoilers)

In The Devil Wears Prada 2, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) is no longer the undisputed queen of the fashion world. As the industry shifts rapidly toward digital influence and corporate acquisitions, she faces a powerful rival: a young, savvy media mogul threatening to disrupt the empire she built at Runway.

Meanwhile, Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), now the successful editor-in-chief of an acclaimed political magazine, finds herself pulled back into Miranda’s orbit. With the lines between loyalty, ambition, and self-worth blurring, Andy must confront the cost of power and the allure of her former life.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 spoiler alert: Andy and Miranda’s reunion is not merely a nostalgic callback but a central conflict that reignites old tensions and creates new ones. Supporting characters, including Emily (Emily Blunt), also return with surprising developments.

Performances: A Masterclass in Subtle Power Plays

Once again, Meryl Streep commands every scene as Miranda Priestly. This time, however, her portrayal adds new layers of vulnerability and defiance. Far from being the untouchable ice queen, Miranda is now a woman confronting her own obsolescence—a powerful theme that resonates throughout the film.

Anne Hathaway delivers one of her most mature performances to date. Andy Sachs has grown into a formidable figure in her own right, and Hathaway portrays this evolution with grace and complexity. The chemistry between Hathaway and Streep remains electric, their dynamic more nuanced than ever.

Emily Blunt’s return as Emily Charlton brings both comic relief and emotional depth. Her character arc—now balancing professional prowess with personal reckoning—adds texture to the narrative.

Direction & Screenplay

David Frankel returns to direct the sequel, capturing the spirit of the original while allowing the story to mature with its characters. The screenplay, penned by Aline Brosh McKenna, is sharp, layered, and emotionally grounded. Dialogues are biting yet human, filled with memorable lines that reflect both the glamour and the grit of modern media.

Themes of mentorship, betrayal, relevance, and reinvention are interwoven seamlessly. The film doesn’t just dwell on nostalgia; it challenges its characters—and the audience—to reconsider what success looks like in 2025.

Visuals, Fashion & Production Value

With a staggering production budget between $100 and $150 million, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is visually stunning. From sleek New York boardrooms to couture-filled fashion galas in Paris and Tokyo, every scene is dripping with style.

The costume design—headed by Patricia Field’s protégés—feels bold, modern, and just as iconic as the first film. Expect trendsetting looks, luxurious textures, and a celebration of high fashion’s evolving identity in a digital age.

Cinematography by Linus Sandgren (La La Land) elevates the film’s aesthetic, contrasting the sharp lines of power suits with the soft vulnerability behind boardroom doors.

Themes & Message

Beyond the fashion and fame, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is about legacy, relevance, and reinvention. Miranda’s battle isn’t just with a new rival; it’s with a system that no longer values the traditions she built her empire upon. Andy’s conflict isn’t just professional—it’s existential. Can she be both powerful and principled? Can success and sanity coexist?

These questions give the film its emotional weight and relevance, especially in today’s fast-changing digital and corporate environment.

Criticisms: A Few Missed Stitches

While the film is overall a triumph, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing occasionally lags in the second act, and some new characters—particularly the tech mogul antagonist—lack the depth and charisma of the original cast.

Some fans may also find the absence of certain returning characters (notably Nigel, played by Stanley Tucci) a noticeable gap, though their absence is at least acknowledged in the script.

Box Office & Cultural Impact

Projected to gross over $600 million globally, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is already poised to become one of the year’s highest-grossing movies. Its release has sparked a renewed interest in fashion cinema, with early reviews praising it as a “stylish dose of drama” that balances wit with wisdom.

Expect the film to dominate awards season, particularly in acting and costume categories.

Final Verdict: 9/10 – A Worthy Sequel That Evolves Without Losing Its Edge

The Devil Wears Prada 2 isn’t just a nostalgic revisit—it’s a bold reimagining. It dares to age its characters, deepen its message, and explore the shifting power dynamics of fashion, media, and identity. For fans of the original and newcomers alike, this sequel delivers elegance with substance.

Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway shine in roles that feel as fresh and fierce as ever. With top-tier production design, a smart script, and unforgettable fashion moments, this is more than just a movie—it’s a cultural event.

Whether you’re in it for the drama, the couture, or the characters, The Devil Wears Prada 2 earns its place as a modern classic.