A sequel to the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada has entered production, with cast member Anne Hathaway providing initial glimpses of her return to the character of Andrea "Andy" Sachs. Through social media posts, Hathaway has shared images and references that connect directly to the original movie, confirming the project's development and offering details about its direction. The new film is scheduled for release in 2026, nearly two decades after the first installment [1].
Production Begins with Nods to the Original
Official confirmation of the sequel's production came through a series of social media updates from Anne Hathaway. On Instagram, the actor posted a photo of herself in character with the caption "Andy Sachs 2025," signaling the time frame for the new story [1]. This first look presented a modern version of the character, generating considerable public discussion about her evolution since the events of the first film [5].
In a separate post on TikTok, Hathaway made a direct reference to one of the original film's most memorable scenes [2]. She appeared in a video wearing a cerulean blue sweater, an item of clothing central to a monologue delivered by Meryl Streep's character, Miranda Priestly [3]. In the 2006 film, Priestly explains the top-down influence of the high-fashion industry to a skeptical Andy, tracing the origins of her sweater's specific shade of blue. Hathaway's post was captioned "Heading to work!" and included the hashtag DWP2, further confirming her involvement and the start of her work on the film [2].
Principal photography for the sequel is taking place in New York City and Italy [1]. These locations were also central to the original film, which saw Andy Sachs navigate the fashion world in New York before traveling with Miranda Priestly to Paris Fashion Week.
Returning Cast and Release Information
The sequel will feature the return of the four principal actors from the original film. Meryl Streep will reprise her role as Miranda Priestly, the formidable editor-in-chief of Runway magazine [4]. Anne Hathaway returns as Andrea Sachs, Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton, and Stanley Tucci as Nigel Kipling [1]. The reunion of the core cast has been a key point of information surrounding the film's development.
The film is set for a theatrical release on May 1, 2026 [1]. In addition to the returning actors, new cast members have been added to the project, though their identities and roles have not been publicly announced at this time [4].
Evolving Character Arcs and New Plot Details
The sequel will explore the characters' lives nearly 20 years after the original story. The plot introduces significant changes to the professional landscape and the power dynamics between the main characters. Runway magazine, once the undisputed authority in fashion, is depicted as being in a state of decline, struggling to maintain its influence in a changed media environment [1] [4]. This development presents a new set of challenges for Miranda Priestly, whose professional identity is inextricably linked to the magazine's success.
The character of Emily Charlton, formerly Miranda's senior assistant, has undergone a substantial career transformation. She is now an executive at a luxury brand conglomerate that is a major advertiser with Runway magazine [1]. This new position fundamentally alters her relationship with her former boss, placing her in a position of influence over the publication she once served [4].
The "Andy Sachs 2025" caption suggests the film will catch up with its protagonist in the present day [5]. At the end of The Devil Wears Prada, Andy had left Runway and the world of high fashion to pursue a career in journalism, taking a job at a different publication. The sequel is expected to address her professional and personal journey in the intervening years. Stanley Tucci's character, Nigel Kipling, ended the first film with his career ambitions at Runway unfulfilled, and the sequel will likely address his subsequent path.
The Cultural Legacy of 'The Devil Wears Prada'
The widespread interest in a sequel is rooted in the cultural impact of the 2006 film. Based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Lauren Weisberger, The Devil Wears Prada was a critical and commercial success. It grossed over $326 million worldwide against a budget of $41 million.
The film received praise for its screenplay by Aline Brosh McKenna and its performances, particularly Meryl Streep's portrayal of Miranda Priestly. The character became an icon, and Streep's performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, one of the film's two Oscar nominations. The other was for Patricia Field's costume design, which was celebrated for its depiction of the high-fashion world.
The movie has maintained its relevance through its commentary on workplace dynamics, ambition, and the personal cost of professional success. Its sharp dialogue and memorable scenes have become fixtures in popular culture, frequently quoted and referenced. The characters of Andy, Miranda, Emily, and Nigel have remained popular, contributing to the continued demand for a continuation of their stories. The sequel enters a media landscape where audience nostalgia for early 2000s properties is high, positioning it to attract both fans of the original and new viewers.