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20th Century Studios Releases 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'; Early Reactions Vary

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The Devil Wears Prada 2: Full Trailer Released, Early Reactions Mixed

20th Century Studios has released the full-length trailer for The Devil Wears Prada 2, scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on May 1, 2026. The sequel brings back the original film's core cast and introduces new characters. Following press screenings in late April, early social media reactions from critics have been mixed, with full professional reviews under embargo until April 29, 2026.

Production & Release

The film is directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna. It was produced by 20th Century Studios.

Release Events:

  • World Premiere: Lincoln Center, New York City — April 20, 2026
  • European Premiere: London — April 22, 2026
  • Additional Promotional Events: Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and Milan

A teaser trailer released in November 2025 reportedly accumulated 185 million views, making it the second-largest trailer launch for that year.

Cast

The sequel reunites original cast members:

  • Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly
  • Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs
  • Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton
  • Stanley Tucci as Nigel Kipling

New cast members include:

  • Kenneth Branagh as the husband of Miranda Priestly
  • Simone Ashley
  • Justin Theroux
  • Lucy Liu
  • Patrick Brammall
  • Caleb Hearon
  • Helen J. Shen
  • Pauline Chalamet
  • Tracie Thoms
  • Tibor Feldman
  • B.J. Novak
  • Conrad Ricamora

Cameo appearances by Donatella Versace, Lady Gaga, Ciara, Calum Harper, and Ashley Graham.

Plot Details

According to trailers and promotional materials, the plot involves Andy Sachs returning to Runway magazine as features editor. The story follows Miranda Priestly as she navigates challenges facing traditional magazine publishing. Emily Blunt's character, formerly Miranda's assistant, is now an executive for a luxury group with advertising resources Priestly requires. Kenneth Branagh plays the husband of Miranda Priestly.

Filming & Production Notes

Meryl Streep stated in an interview with Harper's Bazaar that filming in New York City was challenging due to crowds and paparazzi, requiring police barriers and crowd control measures.

Early Critical Reception

Press screenings occurred during the week prior to the film's release, with social media reactions posted on April 27–28, 2026. Full professional critic reviews remain under embargo until April 29.

Early reactions from selected critics varied:

Positive Responses

"Fun and fierce." — Film journalist Daniel Baptista

"Phenomenal... the script is sharp and witty." — Variety editor Jazz Tangcay

"One of the best sequels we've had in years." — Critics including Matthew Huff

"Fabulous & dare I say better than the original." — Zach Pope

"Funny, charming, and filled with genuinely heartwarming payoffs." — Matt Neglia

"A biting media parody." — THR editor Alex Werpin

"No right to be as good as it is." — Awards Watch's Erik Anderson

Mixed or Negative Responses

"A little frictionless." — Hoai-Tran Bui

"More tedious and far less interesting." — Jonathan Sim

"Reactions felt muted... not really necessary or worth the wait." — Scott Menzel

Multiple critics also cited pacing issues and a lack of suspense, while many highlighted the film's commentary on journalism and the state of the media industry.