What The Devil Is This All About? Is A Devil Wears Prada Sequel In the Works?

Illustration of wardrobe as seen in Devil Wears Prada — Illustration courtesy of Eve Darcy Williams

The gift is passed to me across the table. Wrapped in thick pink floral paper and shaped decidedly like a book, I peel it open. Inside, Lauren Weisberger’s best-selling novel The Devil Wears Prada stares back at me. If I were to pinpoint the moment the fashion world sucked me in, it would be this one. Something I don’t think I was alone in.

For, upon adaptation into film in 2006, The Devil Wears Prada garnered critical acclaim, grossing around £251 million, and receiving two Oscar nominations. It truly was a phenomenon. Plunged into the world of high-fashion publishing, viewers were led step-by-step by the practical shoes of self-assured protagonist Andrea (Andy) Sachs.

We learned of the persisting battle to balance a high-flying career as well as friendships, relationships, and personal morals. Andy, played by Anne Hathaway, grapples with the allure of her ferocious boss, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), and the rivalry of a ruthless colleague, Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt).

Illustration of Andrea's Chanel outfit as seen in Devil Wears Prada — Illustration courtesy of Eve Darcy Williams

Now, almost two decades on, the rumour mill is buzzing with new and exciting talk of a sequel. Certainly, it is not the first time this has been reported, but it is doubtlessly the most credible. It seems Disney is taking on this mammoth task, with original screenwriter, Aline Brosh McKenna, and producer, Wendy Finerman, in tow.

Grazia reports that Streep and Blunt may both be reprising their beloved roles. However, it’s unclear if Hathaway will do so too. Or, in line with her character Andy, has she left that life behind, remaining focused on other projects? Earlier this year, she was quoted as

saying, “I don’t think a continuation of that story is probably ever gonna happen.”

But could this be a red herring designed to throw our ever-inquisitive minds off the scent of a revival? Like a classic Chanel clutch or timeless strappy heel, some things truly never go out of style. I would argue this film is one of them. Where sequels are often lacklustre and honestly unnecessary, I trust that any subsequent remake would be a true homage to the original. Enough time has passed that a second film would feel like a reunion of old friends, as opposed to an oversaturated money grab from Hollywood executives.

Plot-wise, much like the cast, those in the know remain tormentingly elusive. It has been suggested that the storyline would focus on the rapid shifts in the fashion industry since the noughties and follow Miranda Priestly as she grapples with the decline of print media. Puck magazine claims, “She’s [Priestly] is forced to go head-to-head with her former assistant [Charlton], now a high-powered executive.” Whilst only a vague confirmation of plot points, this does seem to promise a delightfully charged battle of wills. Just as one would hope from a cast such as this.

Illustration of Andrea in famous Chanel outfit in office as seen in Devil Wears Prada — Illustration courtesy of Eve Darcy Williams

For now, much more is yet to unfold. What’s clear is that with a film so ingrained in the popular canon as The Devil Wears Prada, any sequel is sure to gain global attention and, hopefully, renowned success.

For me, personally, as long as Andy’s erroneous boyfriend Nate (Adrian Grenier) stays far (far) away from any sort of on-screen appearance, I will be more than happy to tune in as soon as Miranda Priestly, in all her commanding glory, gives the word.

For all your The Devil Wears Prada news, you can keep up with STRAND’s Fashion Section here: https://www.strandmagazine.co.uk/fashion