Devil Wears Prada 2: Will Anne Hathaway Return? Sequel Rumors, Cast, Story & More
Devil Wears Prada 2: The Return to Runway?
The Devil Wears Prada, a cinematic masterpiece inspired by Lauren Weisberger's novel, remains a cultural touchstone. The sharp wit, stunning fashion, and compelling characters, particularly Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) and Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), have cemented its place in pop culture history. For years, fans have clamored for a sequel, eager to revisit the world of Runway magazine and see what became of Andy after she bravely stepped away from Miranda's iron grip. But will Anne Hathaway return for a Devil Wears Prada sequel, and what would the story entail? This article dives deep into the rumors, possibilities, and what the future might hold for this beloved film.
The Enduring Appeal of The Devil Wears Prada
Before we explore the potential for a sequel, it's crucial to understand why The Devil Wears Prada resonates so deeply. Beyond the glamorous fashion and the star-studded cast, the film explores universal themes:
- Ambition vs. Integrity: Andy's struggle to balance her career aspirations with her personal values is a relatable conflict for many young professionals.
- The Price of Success: The film highlights the sacrifices and compromises often required to climb the corporate ladder, questioning whether the rewards are worth the cost.
- Mentorship and Power Dynamics: The complex relationship between Andy and Miranda showcases the power dynamics inherent in mentorship, where guidance can sometimes blur the lines of exploitation.
- Finding Your Voice: Ultimately, the story is about Andy discovering her own voice and choosing a path that aligns with her authentic self.
These themes, combined with the film's witty dialogue and iconic performances, have ensured its continued popularity, fueling the demand for a sequel.
Anne Hathaway's Perspective: Will She Return?
The biggest question mark surrounding a Devil Wears Prada sequel is Anne Hathaway's involvement. Her portrayal of Andy Sachs was pivotal to the film's success, and a sequel without her would feel incomplete. So, what has Hathaway said about a potential return?
In various interviews over the years, Hathaway has expressed both fondness for the role and reservations about revisiting it. She has acknowledged the film's significance in her career and the affection fans have for it. However, she has also voiced concerns about capturing the same magic a second time. One challenge, she has suggested, is that the current cultural landscape is different, and the satire might not land in the same way. She has said that a sequel would only work if everyone involved felt it was the right thing to do, creatively.
While Hathaway hasn't definitively ruled out a sequel, her comments suggest that it would require a compelling script and the enthusiastic participation of the entire original cast and creative team. The bar is set incredibly high.
Meryl Streep's Stance on a Sequel
Another critical factor is Meryl Streep's perspective on reprising her role as Miranda Priestly. Streep's performance was nothing short of iconic, earning her an Academy Award nomination and solidifying Miranda's status as one of cinema's greatest villains. Like Hathaway, Streep has been cautious about the idea of a sequel.
Streep has expressed concerns about repeating herself and finding new layers to explore in Miranda's character. She has also emphasized the importance of a strong script that offers a fresh perspective on the world of fashion and the characters' lives. Given Streep's selective approach to projects and her commitment to quality, her involvement is by no means guaranteed. However, the prospect of seeing her and Hathaway reunite on screen as Miranda and Andy is undoubtedly a major draw for fans.
What About Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci?
The supporting cast of The Devil Wears Prada was equally crucial to its success, and the return of Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton and Stanley Tucci as Nigel Kipling would be a welcome addition to any potential sequel.
Blunt's portrayal of the ambitious and often hilarious Emily resonated with audiences, and her comedic timing was impeccable. Tucci's performance as the supportive and stylish Nigel provided a much-needed dose of warmth and wisdom. Both actors have expressed interest in revisiting their roles, contingent on the quality of the script and the involvement of Hathaway and Streep. The dynamic between Andy, Emily, and Nigel was a highlight of the first film, and recreating that chemistry would be essential for a successful sequel.
Possible Storylines for a Devil Wears Prada Sequel
If a sequel were to happen, what could the story entail? There are several possibilities, each with its own set of challenges and opportunities:
- Andy's Career After Runway: The most obvious storyline would follow Andy's career after leaving Runway magazine. Perhaps she has started her own publication, or is working for a different media outlet. This would allow the sequel to explore new challenges and opportunities for Andy, while also revisiting themes of ambition, integrity, and finding your voice.
- Miranda's Changing Landscape: Another option would focus on Miranda's struggles to maintain her power and influence in a rapidly changing fashion industry. This could explore themes of aging, relevance, and the challenges of adapting to new trends and technologies. It could also examine the impact of social media and influencer culture on the traditional fashion magazine world.
- The Next Generation: A sequel could introduce a new generation of interns and assistants, exploring their experiences and struggles in the high-pressure world of fashion. This would allow the film to comment on contemporary issues, such as diversity, sustainability, and mental health, while also paying homage to the original film.
- Andy and Miranda Reunite: A more dramatic storyline could involve Andy and Miranda being forced to work together again, perhaps on a joint venture or a high-stakes project. This would create opportunities for conflict, reconciliation, and the exploration of their complex relationship. It would also allow the sequel to revisit the themes of power dynamics and mentorship in a new and unexpected way.
- Based on "Revenge Wears Prada": Lauren Weisberger did write a sequel to "The Devil Wears Prada" called "Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns." The book follows Andy several years after leaving Runway as she launches a bridal magazine. Miranda Priestly eventually enters the picture again, threatening to destroy Andy's career. A film adaptation could draw heavily from this novel's plot.
Each of these storylines offers the potential for a compelling and entertaining sequel, but the key would be to find a fresh perspective and avoid simply rehashing the original film.
Challenges in Creating a Successful Sequel
While the prospect of a Devil Wears Prada sequel is exciting, there are several challenges that would need to be addressed to ensure its success:
- Capturing the Original Magic: Recreating the chemistry and wit of the original film would be a significant challenge. The sequel would need to recapture the essence of the characters and the world of Runway magazine, while also offering something new and unexpected.
- Avoiding Repetition: A sequel that simply repeats the themes and plot points of the original film would likely disappoint audiences. The story would need to explore new territory and offer a fresh perspective on the characters and their relationships.
- Adapting to the Changing Cultural Landscape: The fashion industry has changed significantly since the release of The Devil Wears Prada. A sequel would need to reflect these changes and comment on contemporary issues, such as diversity, sustainability, and the impact of social media.
- Meeting High Expectations: The Devil Wears Prada is a beloved film with a devoted fanbase. Any sequel would need to meet the high expectations of these fans and deliver a satisfying and memorable experience.
- The Script: Everything hinges on a strong script. It needs to be smart, funny, relevant, and offer compelling arcs for all the main characters. Without a killer script, the likelihood of Hathaway, Streep, and the rest of the cast signing on diminishes significantly.
The Impact of the #MeToo Movement
The #MeToo movement has significantly impacted the entertainment industry, and any potential Devil Wears Prada sequel would need to address the power dynamics between Andy and Miranda in a sensitive and nuanced way. The original film, while entertaining, has been criticized for romanticizing a potentially abusive work environment. A sequel would need to acknowledge these criticisms and explore the complexities of the relationship between Andy and Miranda with greater awareness and sensitivity.
It's possible that the #MeToo movement is one reason why Hathaway and Streep have been hesitant to commit to a sequel. The power dynamic at the core of the story needs to be examined through a modern lens, and that could be a challenging and delicate process.
The Fashion Industry's Evolution
The fashion industry itself has undergone a massive transformation since 2006, when *The Devil Wears Prada* first premiered. The rise of social media, influencer culture, and fast fashion has disrupted traditional models and created new challenges for established brands and publications. A sequel would need to acknowledge these changes and explore their impact on the characters and the world of Runway magazine.
For example, Miranda Priestly, who once held absolute sway over fashion trends, might find herself competing with social media influencers and online retailers. Andy Sachs, who initially struggled to fit in at Runway, might find that her more authentic and relatable style is now in demand. The sequel could also explore the ethical and environmental concerns surrounding fast fashion and the pressure to constantly consume new trends.
Alternative Outcomes: A Reboot or TV Series?
If a direct sequel proves too challenging, there are other possibilities for revisiting the world of *The Devil Wears Prada*. A reboot with a new cast could offer a fresh perspective on the story, while a TV series could allow for a more in-depth exploration of the characters and their relationships.
A reboot could introduce a more diverse cast and explore contemporary issues such as body positivity and gender fluidity. A TV series could delve into the backstories of the characters and explore the inner workings of Runway magazine in greater detail. However, any reboot or TV series would face the challenge of living up to the legacy of the original film and avoiding comparisons to Hathaway and Streep's iconic performances.
Lauren Weisberger's Take on a Sequel
Lauren Weisberger, the author of *The Devil Wears Prada*, has written two sequels to her original novel: *Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns* and *When Life Gives You Lululemons*. While neither of these sequels has been adapted into a film, they offer insights into the potential storylines and character development for a future installment.
Weisberger has expressed interest in seeing her sequels adapted into films or TV series, but ultimately the decision rests with the studio and the creative team. Her perspective as the original author could be valuable in shaping the direction of a potential sequel and ensuring that it stays true to the spirit of the original story.
Fan Expectations and Social Media Buzz
The Devil Wears Prada has a large and active fanbase, and social media is abuzz with speculation and rumors about a potential sequel. Fans are eager to see Hathaway and Streep reunite on screen, and they have strong opinions about what the story should entail.
Social media can be a powerful tool for gauging fan interest and generating buzz for a potential sequel. However, it can also create unrealistic expectations and put pressure on the creative team to deliver a film that satisfies everyone. Balancing fan expectations with the creative vision of the filmmakers will be a key challenge in developing a successful sequel.
The Legal Hurdles of a Sequel
Before a Devil Wears Prada sequel can move forward, the studio would need to secure the rights to the original story and negotiate contracts with the cast and creative team. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially when dealing with high-profile actors like Hathaway and Streep.
The studio would also need to address any potential legal issues related to the use of trademarks, copyrights, and intellectual property. These legal hurdles can significantly delay or even derail a potential sequel.
Box Office Potential and Financial Considerations
Ultimately, the decision to make a Devil Wears Prada sequel will come down to financial considerations. The studio will need to assess the box office potential of the film and weigh the costs of production against the potential returns.
Given the enduring popularity of the original film and the star power of Hathaway and Streep, a sequel would likely be a major box office draw. However, the studio would need to carefully manage the budget and ensure that the film is profitable, especially given the high salaries that the actors would command.
Conclusion: The Future of Runway
The question of whether Anne Hathaway will return for a Devil Wears Prada sequel remains unanswered. While there are many obstacles to overcome, the enduring popularity of the original film and the continued interest from fans suggest that a return to the world of Runway magazine is not entirely out of the question. If a compelling script can be developed, and if Hathaway, Streep, and the rest of the cast are willing to participate, a Devil Wears Prada sequel could be a major success. Only time will tell if Andy Sachs will once again find herself navigating the treacherous world of high fashion and the demanding expectations of Miranda Priestly. Until then, fans can continue to speculate, dream, and re-watch the original film, hoping that one day, the Runway doors will open once more.
Whether it's a direct sequel, a reboot, or a TV series, the legacy of *The Devil Wears Prada* is sure to endure for years to come. The film's themes of ambition, integrity, and finding your voice continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, and its iconic characters and unforgettable moments have cemented its place in pop culture history.