The Devil Wears Prada 2: Can This Long-Awaited Sequel Surpass the Original’s Box Office Glory?
Picture this: a sleek Manhattan high-rise, where the air crackles with ambition and the click of Louboutins echoes like a war drum. It’s 2006 all over again, but with a sequel twist. The Devil Wears Prada, the razor-sharp fashion fable that grossed over $326 million worldwide on a modest $35 million budget, is poised for a comeback. Disney has greenlit The Devil Wears Prada 2, sending fans into a frenzy. With Meryl Streep slipping back into the ice-queen stilettos of Miranda Priestly and Emily Blunt reprising her snarky role as Emily Charlton, the question on every cinephile’s lips is simple yet tantalising: can this sequel outpace its predecessor’s box office dominance?
The original film’s enduring legacy stems not just from its glossy satire of the fashion world’s cutthroat underbelly but from its perfect storm of star power, witty script, and impeccable timing. Nearly two decades later, as Hollywood grapples with sequel fever amid a post-pandemic recovery, The Devil Wears Prada 2 arrives at a pivotal moment. Will nostalgia fuel a blockbuster revival, or will audience tastes—now fragmented by streaming giants—dim its runway strut? Let’s dissect the prospects, from cast dynamics to market forces, to predict if this follow-up can claim the crown.
Early buzz suggests a story set almost 20 years on, with Miranda still reigning supreme at Runway magazine amid a digital disruption threatening print media. Producers have teased a narrative exploring generational clashes in fashion, blending the original’s biting humour with contemporary relevance. Yet, box office success hinges on more than plot; it’s a high-stakes gamble in an industry where sequels both soar and flop spectacularly.
Recapping the Original’s Unrivalled Triumph
To gauge The Devil Wears Prada 2‘s potential, we must first revisit the phenomenon that started it all. Released on 30 June 2006 by 20th Century Fox, the film adapted Lauren Weisberger’s novel with surgical precision. Anne Hathaway’s wide-eyed Andy Sachs navigates the tyrannical orbit of Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly, a character inspired by Vogue’s Anna Wintour. The result? Critical acclaim (75% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a box office bonanza.
Domestically, it raked in $125.1 million, while international markets added $201.2 million, for a global haul of $326.7 million—over nine times its budget. Adjusted for inflation to 2024 dollars, that equates to roughly $500 million today, placing it among the top fashion comedies ever. Its DVD sales topped 5 million units, and it birthed iconic lines like “That’s all” and “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.”
Cultural ripples extended far beyond theatres. The film boosted sales for brands like Chanel and Manolo Blahnik, while Streep’s Oscar-nominated turn cemented her as a prestige draw. It also highlighted female-led stories’ commercial viability pre-Barbie era, paving the way for films like The Intern. This blueprint of wit, glamour, and empowerment sets a towering benchmark for the sequel.
What’s in Store for The Devil Wears Prada 2?
Fast-forward to July 2024: Disney, now stewards of the IP post-Fox acquisition, confirmed development with original director David Frankel potentially returning. Aline Brosh McKenna, who penned the first script, is back at the keyboard. Crucially, Meryl Streep, 75, has committed to Miranda, her frosty demeanour undimmed by time. Emily Blunt, riding high from Oppenheimer, will reprise Emily as a top executive, perhaps softened by years but still fierce.
Anne Hathaway’s involvement remains a wildcard; reports suggest she’s not central, with the story shifting focus to new characters clashing with the old guard. Rumours swirl of Gen Z influencers invading Runway, pitting TikTok trends against couture tradition. Production aims for a 2025 shoot, eyeing a 2026 release to capitalise on holiday prestige slots.
- Key Cast Returns: Streep as Miranda, Blunt as Emily.
- Potential Newcomers: Speculation includes rising stars like Sydney Sweeney or Jenna Ortega for fresh blood.
- Creative Team: Frankel directing, McKenna scripting—continuity breeds confidence.
These elements promise a sequel that evolves rather than rehashes, but execution will determine if it dazzles or disappoints.
Nostalgia and Star Power: The Turbo Boosters
Hollywood’s sequel renaissance thrives on IP nostalgia, and The Devil Wears Prada boasts a rabid fanbase. Millennials, now prime ticket-buyers in their 30s and 40s, flock to reboots like Top Gun: Maverick ($1.49 billion) and Barbie ($1.44 billion). Adjusted for today’s market, the original’s draw could translate to $400-600 million if marketed shrewdly.
Streep’s return is gold: her films average $300 million globally, with Death Becomes Her sequels in spirit proving her sequel magnetism. Blunt adds crossover appeal post-A Quiet Place. Disney’s marketing muscle—think viral trailers, fashion collabs with Prada, and red-carpet spectacles—could ignite social media. Imagine #DevilWearsPrada2 trending with AI-generated Miranda memes.
Moreover, the fashion industry’s real-world evolution mirrors the plot: fast fashion vs. luxury sustainability. Tie-ins with brands could mirror the original’s $1 billion retail ripple, amplifying buzz.
Comparable Success Stories
Look to Legally Blonde 2 (2003), which earned $145 million against the original’s $145 million—stagnant but profitable. Sex and the City 2 (2010) doubled down to $288 million from $418 million (movie), buoyed by fandom. If Prada 2 captures that loyalty, eclipsing $326 million seems feasible.
Storm Clouds: Cast Gaps and Market Hurdles
Not all runway paths are smooth. Hathaway’s likely absence robs the sequel of Andy’s ingénue charm, the emotional core for many. Without her, does the film lose heart? Sequels often falter without full casts—witness Indiana Jones 5‘s $384 million underperformance.
Broader challenges loom: streaming dilution. Netflix and Prime erode theatrical urgency; Barbie‘s hybrid model succeeded, but many opt for home viewing. Superhero fatigue spills into all genres, with 2024’s crowded slate (Avatar 3, Marvel tentpoles) vying for screens. A 2026 slot risks clashing with Mission: Impossible 8 or Fast XI.
Budget inflation adds pressure: expect $80-100 million production costs, demanding $250 million+ to break even. Female-led comedies face scrutiny too; Bridesmaids ($288 million) was a hit, but recent efforts like Book Club: The Next Chapter ($33 million) signal risks for older casts.
Projections and Data-Driven Predictions
Analysts are cautiously optimistic. Box Office Pro models suggest a $150-250 million domestic opening weekend, propelled by women 25-54 (the original’s demo). Globally, fashion-forward markets like China, Europe, and the Middle East could add $400 million.
| Film | Domestic Gross | Global Gross | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devil Wears Prada (2006) | $125M | $327M | $35M |
| Prada 2 (Projected) | $200-300M | $500-700M | $90M |
Inflation-adjusted, beating $500 million positions it as a win. “The IP’s timeless appeal could make it a sleeper hit,” notes Deadline’s Anthony D’Alessandro.[1]
Broader Industry Ripples
The Devil Wears Prada 2 arrives amid a sequel boom: 2024 saw Inside Out 2 shatter records at $1.6 billion. Female empowerment narratives thrive post-Wonder Woman, and fashion films like Cruella ($233 million) prove genre resilience. Yet, strikes’ aftermath means tighter schedules; delays could hurt momentum.
If successful, it validates legacy sequels for studios, encouraging more like Pretty Woman 2. Culturally, it spotlights ageing in Hollywood, with Streep challenging youth obsession. Economically, merchandise and spin-offs could extend profitability.
Conclusion: A Fashionable Bet Worth Taking
The Devil Wears Prada 2 holds the ingredients to not just match but eclipse its forebear’s box office feat. Nostalgia, Streep’s magnetism, and timely themes position it for $500-700 million globally, inflation be damned. Risks abound—cast shifts, competition—but Hollywood history favours bold revivals. As Miranda might sneer, “By all means, move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.” Will audiences rush the theatres? The verdict awaits on opening night. What are your predictions? Drop them in the comments below.
References
- [1] D’Alessandro, Anthony. “Disney Taps Meryl Streep For ‘Devil Wears Prada’ Sequel.” Deadline, 2 July 2024.
- [2] Box Office Mojo. “The Devil Wears Prada (2006) Domestic Total Gross.” Accessed October 2024.
- [3] Rubin, Rebecca. “Why Sequels Are Dominating Hollywood Again.” Variety, 15 August 2024.