Twenty years after captivating audiences, the world ofThe Devil Wears Pradais revisited, and remarkably, the original quartet – Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci – have all returned. Director David Frankel and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna are also back at the helm, a reunion almost as improbable as the first film’s success.
The cast’s collective achievements since 2006 are staggering: eleven Oscar nominations and two wins between Streep and Hathaway. Yet, Frankel admits the initial triumph felt like an extraordinary stroke of luck, a “hole in one” he wasn’t sure they could ever replicate. The prospect of a sequel was initially resisted, haunted by the question of whether lightning could strike twice.
The original film’s creation wasn’t without its hurdles. Frankel recalls a greenlight with a severely limited budget, and a directive to avoid even *mentioning* Paris, despite twenty minutes of the story unfolding there. He faced a frantic scramble to devise a solution, ultimately forced to find a way to portray Miranda Priestly in Paris without actually filming with Streep in the city.
This time, however, logic prevailed. The sequel’s climactic scenes are set in Milan, and the entire cast made the journey to Italy. A new challenge emerged: securing a performance from Lady Gaga, a request the studio actively supported, shifting from obstacle to opportunity.
The first film’s unexpected success sparked immediate sequel discussions, fueled by affection for the characters and actors. But a compelling narrative proved elusive. Simply reuniting the cast wasn’t enough; the story needed to explore equally profound themes as its predecessor, avoiding a mere rehash of Miranda’s dominance over Andy.
The sequel delves into the evolving landscape of journalism, the shifting identity of fashion, and the complexities of legacy. It asks what happens when a powerful figure in her seventies considers stepping down, and whether anyone truly *should* stop. These questions, Frankel believes, resonated with him personally as he grew older.
Miranda Priestly’s character undergoes a subtle but significant evolution. Acknowledging past problematic behavior, she’s now accompanied by Amari, an assistant tasked with safeguarding against her more ruthless impulses. The film also reflects contemporary expectations of work-life balance, embodied in Andy’s new assistant, Jin Chao.
A stark contrast to Andy’s previous relationship, the sequel introduces Peter, a supportive and understanding partner who actively engages with her work. This was a deliberate response to the intense fan backlash against Nate, a reaction Frankel admits he hadn’t anticipated. The filmmakers prioritized a dynamic built on mutual respect and encouragement.
Frankel candidly reflects on the difficulties of making the first film, revealing a less-than-harmonious atmosphere on set. Streep maintained a distance from the younger cast, and personal challenges added to the strain. Despite these struggles, the sequel’s production was a remarkably joyful experience, fueled by the actors’ renewed chemistry and collaborative spirit.
Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci’s characters are also given ample opportunity to shine, seamlessly re-integrated into Andy’s world. A particularly memorable scene, featuring all four leads, was born from Blunt’s suggestion to capitalize on the rare opportunity to reunite the original cast.
At the heart of it all remains Meryl Streep’s iconic portrayal of Miranda Priestly. Her performance in the sequel is described as nuanced and captivating, potentially earning her a record-breaking eighth Oscar nomination. Frankel acknowledges the challenges of Academy recognition for comedies, but remains hopeful that Streep’s work will be celebrated.
As the release date approaches, Frankel admits to feeling the weight of expectation. He understands that success in the film industry is unpredictable, and that even the best elements don’t guarantee a magical connection with audiences. He hopes the sequel will resonate with viewers as deeply as the original, perhaps even capturing a new generation of fans.
