Is The Devil Wears Prada 2 as Good as the Original Movie?
No, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is not better than the original 2006 film, but it is a highly successful legacy sequel. While the first movie remains the gold standard for its razor sharp wit and pacing, the sequel earns its place by modernizing the high stakes world of fashion for 2026.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 Cast: Who Returns?
The soul of this franchise is its chemistry. Without the core four, this would feel like a cheap knockoff. Thankfully, the powerhouse cast is back.
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Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly
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Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs
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Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton
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Stanley Tucci as Nigel Kipling
The sequel works because it values these relationships. It isn’t just about the clothes. It is about Miranda’s quiet cruelty and the ambition she sparks in others.
If you enjoy stories about high stakes career moves, you might also like shows like Younger about reinventing your career.
The Sequel vs. The Original: At a Glance
| Feature | The Original (2006) | The Sequel (2026) |
| Miranda | Untouchable Queen | Fighting for Relevance |
| Andy | Wide eyed Assistant | Confident Professional |
| Emily | Terrified Junior | Major Power Player |
| Tone | Ruthless & Sharp | Stylish & Sentimental |
What Is The Devil Wears Prada 2 About?
The story picks up two decades after Andy famously threw her phone into that fountain in Paris.
Miranda Priestly still sits at the top of the fashion world, but the throne is shaking. Print media is in decline, and digital influencers have changed the rules of the game.
A New Power Dynamic
The smartest angle in this sequel is the “student becoming the master” trope. Andy is no longer the girl who couldn’t spell “Gabbana.” She is a seasoned professional who understands Miranda’s world but refuses to be consumed by it.
Even more interesting is Emily’s rise. She has moved to a luxury brand, creating a professional tension that feels earned rather than forced.
Why the Original Still Wins
The 2006 film was uncompromising. It allowed its characters to be petty, vain, and brilliant without needing to make them “likable.” The sequel is slightly more sentimental. While that warmth is earned after 20 years, it lacks the original’s razor sharp edges.
The first movie still excels in these areas:
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Pacing: The original is lean and every scene is essential.
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The Villainy: Miranda feels more dangerous when she is a looming threat rather than a legend under fire.
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The Arc: Andy’s transformation from outsider to insider is one of the best in cinema history.
For fans of that high fashion aesthetic, you should check out shows like Emily in Paris with a fashion focus.
The “Emily” Factor: Why the Sequel Works
Emily Blunt is arguably the best part of the new film. In the original, Emily Charlton was a comedic highlight. In the sequel, she is a powerhouse.
The movie recognizes that Emily understood the industry better than Andy ever did. Seeing her use that knowledge to challenge Miranda provides the movie with its best moments.
Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly
Meryl Streep proves once again why Miranda is her most iconic role. She does not need loud speeches to dominate a room. A simple glance is enough to make everyone stand up straighter.
In this version, Miranda is facing a changing industry. Seeing a legend fight to stay dangerous in a digital world is a fantastic concept, even if the movie occasionally plays it a bit safe.
Should You See It?
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a glossy, entertaining legacy sequel. It does not replace the original, but it serves as a wonderful “where are they now” for fans.
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Watch the original first to catch all the callbacks.
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See the sequel for the incredible performances and updated fashion.
For more updates on what to watch, check out our guide to the best shows to stream in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Devil Wears Prada 2 better than the original?
No. The original film is tighter and more emotionally precise. However, the sequel is highly entertaining.
Is the original cast in the sequel?
Yes. Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci all return.
Do I need to watch the first movie before the sequel?
Yes. The relationships and tension in the sequel depend entirely on the events of the first film.
Is it worth seeing in theaters?
Yes. The cinematography and fashion moments are designed for the big screen.
