‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’: First Reactions From Early Screenings Split Fashion Fans

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Written By Jonathan P. Moustakas

Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway in ‘The Devil Wears Prada.' CREDIT: 20 century Studios

The long-awaited sequel to the 2006 fashion classic starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway is already dividing early reactions ahead of its May 1 theatrical release.

The long-anticipated return to the world of Runway magazine is finally taking shape, with The Devil Wears Prada 2 holding a series of press screenings over the past week ahead of its global theatrical rollout on May 1.

Early social media reactions began circulating shortly after the first wave of screenings, with audiences and press attendees offering an initial glimpse at how the sequel lands nearly two decades after the original became a cultural touchstone. Full reviews from critics remain under embargo until April 29, but early commentary has already sparked conversation across film and fashion circles alike.

The sequel has been positioned as one of the most ambitious legacy follow-ups in recent studio memory, supported by a sprawling global promotional rollout. The film held its world premiere at Lincoln Center in New York City on April 20, with the event streamed across Disney+ and Hulu. International premieres followed in London, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and Milan, underscoring the franchise’s continued global reach.

Originally released in 2006 and adapted from Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel, The Devil Wears Prada became a $327 million global hit and a defining cultural artifact of mid-2000s fashion cinema. Its blend of industry satire, performance-driven drama, and high-fashion aesthetics cemented it as one of the most enduring films of its era.

The long gap between installments has been widely attributed to years of hesitation from the original cast, particularly Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, who repeatedly distanced themselves from sequel speculation before ultimately returning. Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci also reprise their roles, reconnecting the core dynamic that defined the original film’s success.

The sequel centers on Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs attempting to revive Runway magazine in a rapidly evolving digital media landscape. Their efforts lead them back into the orbit of Emily Charlton, who has since ascended into a powerful position within a luxury fashion empire, shifting the balance of influence that once defined their relationships.

The expanded cast introduces Justin Theroux and Kenneth Branagh in key new roles, alongside Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, Pauline Chalamet, B.J. Novak, Conrad Ricamora, and Rachel Bloom. The film also features a slate of high-profile cameos from Donatella Versace, Lady Gaga, Ciara, Calum Harper, and Ashley Graham, reinforcing its continued intersection with real-world fashion culture.

David Frankel returns to direct, reuniting with screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna to revisit the world they first helped define nearly twenty years ago.

As early reactions continue to surface, The Devil Wears Prada 2 appears poised to reignite the conversation around legacy sequels, fashion storytelling, and whether the world of Runway can still cut through in a radically different media era.

Check out a selection of social media reactions to the film from the various screenings below:

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With early reactions now circulating, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is already positioning itself as more than a nostalgia-driven sequel. The return of Miranda Priestly, Andy Sachs, and Emily Charlton signals a deliberate attempt to re-enter a cultural space that has dramatically shifted since the original film’s release nearly two decades ago.

Whether the sequel ultimately captures the same cultural gravity remains to be seen, but the early response suggests one clear outcome: the world of Runway is still capable of generating conversation at scale — and in fashion, that may be the most important metric of all

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