The Devil Wears Prada 2
Cinemark North Haven
April 30, 2026
Are you a fan of the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada? Well, as one of the film’s characters Nigel Kipling would say, “Gird your loins.” Because the sequel to that film – aptly titled The Devil Wears Prada 2 – arrived in theaters last night, and it is not a retread of the original.
The film doesn’t just revisit the four beloved main characters of the first film in their present situations. It also casts a bright light on the state of media — print and otherwise — and the ongoing commitment of artists, writers, and those who choose both substance and style over the almighty dollar and a swarm of social media clicks.
For the uninitiated, The Devil Wears Prada was a cultural sensation when it arrived in 2006. Based on the book of the same name by Lauren Weisberger – who also spent time as an assistant to famed Vogue editor Ana Wintour – the story follows Andrea “Andy” Sachs (played by Anne Hathaway), who arrives in New York City fresh out of college and looking for a job in journalism. She ends up taking on the role of an assistant at Runway, an esteemed fashion magazine headed by the lauded and even more feared Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep). Under the tutelage of Miranda’s right hand man Nigel Kipling (played by Stanley Tucci) and the tressed and difficult to please Emily Charlton (played by Emily Blunt), Andy works above and beyond to become even a fraction of what Miranda expects her to be all the while learning more and more about who she is and what she wants in the world when all everyone around her wants is to make sure Miranda gets what she wants.
That film became a cultural touchstone with its four memorable lead performances and even more memorable (and quotable) lines, generating memes and more across social media and beyond. Even if you have not seen the film, you would probably recognize them (one being the aforementioned “gird your loins” quote).
Twenty years later, those four stars of the original have returned. While they are not all in exactly the same place they were before, they all end up in each other’s orbits and, in a way, suffering the same fate of teetering on the edge of becoming obsolete in their professions.
The film begins with Andy, 20 years past leaving the job “a million girls would kill for” for an investigative reporting job at a smaller outlet. She receives a journalism award — then, moments later, she and her colleagues all get laid off from their writing jobs via text. Her diatribe at the ceremony about saving journalism is recorded, of course, and goes viral. That lands her back at Runway as a features editor to help them overcome a recent scandal involving a story about a fast-fashion outlet aptly called Speed Fash that may cost them advertisers and, ultimately, a whole lot of money.
“Well, look what TJMaxx dragged in,” Nigel says as Andy arrives to help the magazine, which is still in print but just barely, restore its credibility.
“The September issue was so thin you could floss with it,” says Miranda, still as sharp and stinging as ever. But there are definitely changes in her demeanor. She once was as vicious with a look as she was with a biting retort; her new assistant keeps her commentary in check (there have been HR complaints it seems) as she persists in trying to keep her take on fashion in fashion. Emily, who is now a big shot in the designer world at Dior, has also not changed her cutting and coarse ways, but decides to try to play nice with both Miranda and Andy as they all try to keep themselves relevant.
There are a lot of fun — and fashionable, of course — looks to be had in this film. But more so there is the specter of what is and isn’t “real” journalism. Sure, Andy’s first story back gets attention. But what “numbers” did it get? How many clicks? And, Miranda asks, “Did anyone read it?” The truth is Andy might make even more money if she accepts a lucrative deal to write a tell-all book about Miranda, who herself is vying for a different job: global head of content in the company that owns Runway.
Throughout the film Andy, Miranda, and others have to decide if the fight to keep this iconic fashion magazine is worth it and what sacrifices they are willing to make to get what they want. Though there are many references to the first film that will delight its fans, there is more to ponder this time around. This reporter herself has on more than one occasion had to defend herself to those who question whether arts and culture journalism is even a thing (though I trust if you have gotten his far in this article you are a reader who does not require such an explanation). Some argue that fashion is not an art and not important in the grand scheme of life. Miranda has a memorable scene in the first film where she explains to Andy how her seemingly unencumbered choice of a cerulean blue sweater is actually steeped in the detailed decisions made years before by Miranda and her associates as well as a multitude of designers. Artistic creations, be they something you can wear, look at, or read, can be easily cast aside as unimportant, especially in our current world where we have such immediate access to so many choices that are often forgotten as soon as the mouse clicks. I found myself getting fired up as Andy fought her fight to keep Runway, and journalism itself, on the table both literally and figuratively.
All the actors have a great time, as they did in the first film. It was satisfying as a fan to see them fleshed out a bit more 20 years later. After all, these films are the type to ultimately have fun with. This one even has cameos by entertainment and fashion celebrities as well as a musical number by Lady Gaga. Cinemark is also encouraging moviegoers to dress up for their screenings at what they called the “Nowhere To Wear It Watch Party,” telling attendees to don something they have in their closet that they have not had an opportunity to wear anywhere else.
This reporter didn’t find herself in that predicament as I always wear what I want when I want. But I did decide to dress up more than I usually do for a film screening. I didn’t notice anyone else at my screening doing the same, but I have a feeling many others will this weekend. I’m a big fan of such group events, and this film stands a chance of being a major one, much as Barbie was. So, grab your friends, take the tags off an outfit you’ve been waiting on, and go have a few laughs. Also, if you have read this far, thank you for supporting local arts and culture journalism. May we always be in fashion.
