Nearly two decades after The Devil Wears Prada became a defining moment in pop culture, the long-awaited sequel is finally taking shape. The announcement alone has stirred a wave of nostalgia among fans, but what truly adds to the excitement is how deeply the original cast seems invested in returning. Anne Hathaway, who famously brought Andy Sachs to life, recently shared her first reaction to the sequel’s script, and it says a lot about the enduring magic of the story. Before even diving into her own role, her immediate instinct was to turn her attention to Meryl Streep, the powerhouse performer behind Miranda Priestly.
Speaking during a fan event in Tokyo, Hathaway revealed that her first thought upon receiving the script was simple and telling: “Did Meryl read it yet? What did she think?” That instinct feels both natural and revealing. Over the years, Streep’s portrayal of Miranda Priestly has come to define the tone and authority of the entire franchise. For Hathaway, it wasn’t just about revisiting Andy Sachs, but about ensuring that the core essence of the story, shaped so strongly by Streep, remained intact.
The event itself marked one of the earliest public moments for The Devil Wears Prada 2, and the energy surrounding it was unmistakable. Fans who had grown up watching the original film now find themselves reconnecting with characters who once felt aspirational, intimidating, and deeply human all at once. Hathaway’s candid reflection offered a glimpse into how seriously the cast is taking this return, not as a simple continuation, but as a meaningful extension of a story that left a lasting imprint.
Once Hathaway learned that Streep had already read the script and responded positively, her own excitement grew instantly. She described how that reassurance shifted her expectations, saying, “Well this has to be amazing. And I read it and it was beyond what I hoped for. I think over the years we’ve all wondered what Miranda, Andy, Emily and Nigel were up to and I guarantee you, anything we thought of did not come close to what (writer) Aline Brosh McKenna has come up with for all of us. And it was a joy to make it.” Her words carry a sense of genuine surprise, suggesting that the sequel doesn’t simply revisit familiar territory but pushes the narrative into unexpected directions.
Part of what makes this sequel particularly compelling is the return of the original ensemble. Alongside Hathaway and Streep, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci are also stepping back into their iconic roles. That kind of reunion is rare in Hollywood, especially after such a long gap, and it reflects the enduring bond between both the cast and the story itself. There is a certain comfort in knowing that the characters audiences once connected with are being revisited by the same actors who helped define them in the first place.
Looking back, The Devil Wears Prada was never just a film about fashion. At its heart, it explored ambition, identity, and the often uncomfortable compromises that come with chasing success. Andy Sachs began as a recent graduate with little interest in the fashion world, stepping into a role that demanded perfection under the watchful eye of Miranda Priestly. Over time, she evolved, not just in her style but in her priorities and self-perception. That transformation resonated with audiences because it mirrored a very real experience: the tension between professional growth and personal authenticity.
Revisiting these characters now raises intriguing questions. Where is Andy Sachs today? Has she maintained the balance she fought so hard to achieve, or has the passage of time reshaped her priorities once again? And what about Miranda Priestly, whose commanding presence defined the original film? Characters like Emily Charlton and Nigel Kipling also left strong impressions, each representing different facets of ambition and resilience within a demanding industry. The sequel, as hinted by Hathaway, seems ready to explore these trajectories in ways that go beyond audience expectations.
From a storytelling perspective, the involvement of writer Aline Brosh McKenna adds another layer of confidence. Her original work captured a sharp, observant tone that blended wit with emotional depth. For many viewers, that balance was what made the film memorable long after its release. Hearing Hathaway describe the new script as surpassing expectations suggests that the sequel may carry forward that same voice while adapting it to a modern context.
There is also something particularly interesting about how the cultural landscape has changed since the original film’s release. The fashion industry, media dynamics, and workplace expectations have all evolved significantly. A sequel arriving now has the opportunity to reflect these shifts, offering a fresh lens through which to view familiar characters. It’s not just about revisiting a beloved story, but about reinterpreting it in a world that looks very different from the one Andy Sachs first stepped into.
At the same time, revisiting a classic always carries a certain risk. Nostalgia can be powerful, but it can also set expectations that are difficult to meet. Audiences who hold the original film close may approach the sequel with both excitement and caution, wondering whether it can capture the same charm without feeling repetitive. Hathaway’s reaction, however, offers a reassuring note. Her genuine enthusiasm, rooted in both curiosity and respect for her co-stars, suggests that the project is being approached with care rather than complacency.
What ultimately stands out is the sense of continuity paired with evolution. The return of the original cast provides a strong foundation, while the promise of an unexpected narrative direction hints at growth. It reflects a broader truth about storytelling: the most meaningful sequels are not those that simply recreate the past, but those that build on it in thoughtful ways.
