Twenty years is a long time to wait. But if this weekend's box office is any indication, The Devil Wears Prada 2 was absolutely worth it.
Released in U.S. theaters on May 1, 2026, by 20th Century Studios, the long-awaited sequel reunites the original dream team — Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci — and adds a star-studded roster of new faces including Lady Gaga, Lucy Liu, Simone Ashley, Kenneth Branagh, and Justin Theroux. Directed once again by David Frankel, the film wastes no time reminding you why Miranda Priestly is one of cinema's most iconic characters.
The Plot: Fashion Meets the Future
The story picks up with Miranda Priestly now facing perhaps her greatest adversary yet: her own former assistant. Emily Charlton — once the neurotic, Chanel-clad gatekeeper at Runway— has risen to become a powerful rival executive, and the two are locked in a high-stakes battle for advertising dollars as the print media industry crumbles around them. It's a storyline that feels painfully relevant in 2026, and critics have taken note.
"The Devil Wears Prada 2 wisely tempers its nostalgia-baiting in favour of a surprisingly meaningful study of how modern media is slowly eroding the soul of passionate cultural outlets, making it an unexpectedly worthy sequel." — Jack Martin, Film Feeder
What Critics Are Saying
The film currently holds a 79% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 62/100 on Metacritic — solid, if not unanimous, praise. Rotten Tomatoes calls it "a worthy, entertaining sequel that offers more than just nostalgia," while The Cinematic Reel says it "not only justifies its return but rewards longtime fans with a funny, heartfelt ride."
The AP's Jake Coyle offers a more nuanced take: "Everyone, including Miranda, seems a bit too kind in 'The Devil Wears Prada 2.' While the film is filled with Prada glamour, it could have benefited from a stronger dose of Streep's formidable presence." Gregory Ellwood of The Playlist goes further, suggesting it "might even be an improvement on that first flick."
The consensus? It's stylish, heartfelt, and crowd-pleasing — even if the claws aren't quite as sharp as fans might hope.
Box Office Domination
The Devil Wears Prada 2 debuted to a massive $77 million domestically in its opening weekend, topping the North American box office and pulling in $156.6 million internationally. One analyst called the debut "sensational," noting it was the biggest opening weekend for a traditional comedy in 11 years. Its worldwide gross is now approaching $234 million against a $100 million budget, making it the seventh highest-grossing film of 2026.
Should You See It?
If you loved the original — and let's be honest, who didn't? — This sequel delivers exactly what you came for: sharp fashion commentary, brilliant performances, and just enough heart to make it matter. The film smartly updates its themes for a world where TikTok has replaced print editorial and influencer culture has redefined what "fashion" even means. Streep, as always, is magnetic, and Hathaway reminds us she's one of the most effortlessly watchable actors working today.
Is it a perfect sequel? No. But as a celebration of a beloved story — and a sharp mirror held up to modern media — The Devil Wears Prada 2 more than earns its seat at the runway.
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