The long-awaited follow-up to the classic flick “The Devil Wears Prada,” due out in 2026. Director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna, both of whom played pivotal roles in the original 2006 adaptation of Lauren Weisberger’s novel, will return to bring the next chapter of Andy Sachs’ story to life. One important exception to that rule that fans should be aware of is that Adrian Grenier, who played Nate Cooper, is not returning.
Publicity still from “The Devil Wears Prada,” the 2006 cultural phenomenon that made $327 million worldwide, chronicling Anne Hathaway’s ascent as a force in the cutthroat world of New York fashion journalism. Andy was originally an aide de camp to Miranda Priestly. Miranda, portrayed by Meryl Streep, is the formidable editor-in-chief of the fictional “Runway” magazine. The movie was a huge success and critical darling, garnering two Oscar nominations.
Grenier’s character, Nate Cooper, has unfortunately been dubbed by many as the “real villain” of the film. His depiction painted the picture of a self-absorbed and self-involved young man who didn’t do enough to support Andy in her rising career. After many acted-out exchanges turned sour, Andy and Nate’s relationship had soured as well, and the two ultimately split.
As the sequel’s opening weekend draws closer, it’s still anyone’s guess how it will all play out, particularly in light of Grenier’s looming absence. In a recent interview, Grenier even admitted to this conflicted view of his character.
“All those memes that came out were shocking to me. It hadn’t occurred to me until I started to really think about it, and perhaps it was because I was as immature as Nate was at the time, and in many ways he’s very selfish and self-involved, it was all about him, he wasn’t extending himself to support Andy in her career,” – Adrian Grenier
We do know that lots is in store and the sequel’s details are still a mystery. The program creative direction, both Frankel and McKenna have offered up their perspectives. Frankel explained on their own end that they had originally considered making a sequel but came to the conclusion that the story had already been told.
“[The studio] didn’t ask for [a sequel]. We had a meeting where we said, ‘What could we do if there was a sequel?’ Maybe it was stupid; we felt like, No, this story has been told.… Lauren eventually wrote another book following up 15 years later. We came to the same conclusion, that just following the characters wouldn’t be the same,” – David Frankel
Screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna noted how much the magazine and publishing worlds have changed in the 13 years since the first film’s release. The industry has changed a lot in those early days. Today, it’s a lot more challenging to imitate that unique storytelling approach that so successfully captured audiences back in 2006.
“Magazines and publishing have changed so much,” – Aline Brosh McKenna
“This is a period of time where [Andy] took a physical book to someone’s house every day so she could leaf through it. Maybe they still do that, but I doubt it. It had its moment!” – Aline Brosh McKenna
The upcoming movie should take its cues from Weisberger’s sequel, published 15 years after the original novel. Both Frankel and McKenna warn fans that the sequel might not play out the way one would think or hope.
We can hardly contain our excitement over the return of some of our favorite characters, and the opening up of new storylines in the fashion universe. We can’t say for sure how Andy’s quest will evolve without her would-be suitor at her side. The creative team is still committed to staying true to the original spirit. They are quick to adopt cutting-edge technology that the industry is excited about.
