The Devil Wears Prada 2 Review: Style Over Substance, But Still a Familiar Fit

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a return to runway with familiar faces.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 arrives nearly two decades after the original film became a cultural staple. Directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna, the sequel reunites Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci for another walk through the high-pressure world of fashion journalism.

Right from the start, it is clear the film leans heavily on nostalgia. However, while it looks great and feels familiar, the story struggles to justify why this sequel was needed in the first place.

Revisiting the Original’s Impact

Before diving into the sequel, it is worth reflecting on The Devil Wears Prada. The 2006 film followed Andy Sachs, an aspiring journalist who lands a demanding job at Runway Magazine under the intimidating Miranda Priestly.

Surprisingly, the film leaned more mature than expected. Although Anne Hathaway was still widely associated with The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement and transitioning into more dramatic work like Brokeback Mountain, it was not exactly a teen-friendly crowd-pleaser, instead focusing on ambition, sacrifice, and the cost of success.

While not perfect, the original succeeded thanks to its sharp performances and cultural relevance, eventually becoming a major box office hit and a lasting pop culture touchstone.

Performances Still Carry the Franchise

Going into the sequel, expectations naturally rest on the returning cast—and they deliver.

Even for viewers who may not feel like the target audience, the chemistry between Streep, Hathaway, Blunt, and Tucci remains the film’s strongest asset. Their presence instantly brings a sense of comfort and familiarity, keeping the movie engaging even when the story begins to wander.

Streep once again commands the screen with ease, while Tucci continues to provide some of the most grounded and interesting moments. Meanwhile, Emily Blunt proves once again how sharp and entertaining her character can be, though the film does not give her nearly enough to do.

A Story That Struggles to Find Its Direction

Much like the original, the sequel struggles to establish a clear, compelling narrative. It often feels like the story is circling rather than building toward something meaningful.

At its core, the film attempts to comment on journalism, fashion, and the evolving media landscape. However, those ideas never fully come together in a satisfying way.

Instead, the movie leans into montages, extended sequences, and scattered subplots that take their time getting anywhere. If you are willing to take the scenic route, there is some enjoyment to be found—but it requires patience.

Pacing Issues Drag Down the Experience

With a runtime pushing two hours, The Devil Wears Prada 2 feels longer than it should. The setup alone takes a significant amount of time, and the pacing never quite recovers.

There are moments of humor, a handful of clever callbacks, and some standout fashion sequences. However, they are spaced out between scenes that feel overly drawn out or awkwardly structured.

Additionally, while Hathaway and Blunt remain central figures, their arcs feel less compelling than Miranda’s and Nigel’s. Their journeys simply do not carry the same weight or intrigue this time around.

The film also misses an opportunity to deliver a stronger romantic storyline for Hathaway’s character, leaving that aspect feeling underdeveloped.

Nostalgia and Style Keep It Afloat

Despite its flaws, the film is not without charm. The callbacks to the original are handled well, and longtime fans will appreciate the effort to reconnect with what made the first film memorable.

The fashion remains a highlight, offering visually appealing moments that reinforce the film’s identity. There are also a few cameo appearances, though most land as average rather than standout surprises.

Ultimately, it is the cast—and the nostalgia they bring—that keeps the film watchable.

Verdict

The Devil Wears Prada 2 does not fully justify its return, but it still has its appeal. Strong performances, stylish presentation, and familiar chemistry help carry a story that often struggles with direction and pacing.

If you enjoyed the original, there is enough here to make the revisit worthwhile. Just be prepared for a longer, slower journey that leans more on memory than momentum.

Recommendation: Worth watching for fans of the original and the cast, but expectations should be tempered when it comes to story and pacing.

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Film Details

Director: David Frankel
Writer: Aline Brosh McKenna
Cast: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci
Studio: 20th Century Studios
Release Date: May 1, 2026

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