As excitement swells for the long-awaited sequel, “Devil Wears Prada 2,” star Meryl Streep has shed light on the compelling condition that brought her back to the role of the formidable Miranda Priestly. Speaking exclusively to BBC News, Streep emphasized that the film needed to resonate with the present moment—an observation that goes beyond mere nostalgia.
“There was one way that we would sign on to do a sequel,” Streep stated emphatically. “If it spoke to the moment.” The film now navigates the complexities of a rapidly evolving journalism landscape marked by staffing cuts, declining print circulation, and the rise of digital media dominance.
“Everything has to have its own necessity for being—even the frothiest sort of fun movie,” Streep noted, spotlighting the vital themes interwoven throughout the narrative. Echoing her sentiments, co-star Stanley Tucci, who reprises his role as Nigel Kipling, remarked, “The film tackles the issues of today—the intricate dance journalists now perform under the pressures of social media and artificial intelligence.
While critics ponder the sequel's ability to capture the magic of the 2006 original, Streep and her co-stars are adamant that this iteration reflects contemporary society rather than merely recapturing the past. “One of the things I think the film does really well is show you have to participate in the world you want to live,” said Anne Hathaway, returning as Andy Sachs, now a features editor at Runway Magazine.
“I hope people realize that the fate of journalism really rests on them,” Hathaway continued passionately, “If you believe in it and believe it’s important—I personally do.” Streep, a three-time Oscar winner, added with characteristic humor that, despite the serious undertones, “We’ve made The Devil Wears Prada—there’s a lot of fun and fashion!” 
Tucci concurred, depicting the film as “a pleasant escape” during a time of global chaos, while co-star Emily Blunt, who reprises her role as Emily Charlton, expressed her hope that audiences would be uplifted. “I want people to have a joy bomb—go see it with their friends, laugh, cheer and enjoy the nostalgia.”
Directed by David Frankel and once again scripted by Aline Brosh McKenna, “Devil Wears Prada 2” promises an array of stunning designer outfits, celebrity cameos, and iconic backdrops set in New York and Milan. Yet, beyond the glamour, the sequel finds its characters embroiled in a nuanced narrative framework.
Reviews have already started flowing in, reflecting a mix of anticipation and critical evaluation. Variety praised the film for being “made with intelligence and respect for both its predecessor and the legions who still love it,” while The Guardian referred to it as “good-natured, buoyant entertainment.” Meanwhile, some critiques pointed out that while engaging, the film could have benefitted from bolder stakes.
The enduring success of the original film was largely credited to its strong female leads, a theme that resonates again in the sequel. With Streep, Hathaway, and Blunt at the forefront, “Devil Wears Prada 2” aims to honor the ambition and resilience of women in the industry, making it not just a sequel, but a timely commentary on the challenges and triumphs we face today.
Source: BBC News
Source: BBC Entertainment
