The highly anticipated sequel to 'The Devil Wears Prada' brings back familiar faces and a captivating narrative, with Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, and Emily Blunt reprising their iconic roles. Hathaway, reflecting on her return as Andy Sachs, described a moment on set when Meryl Streep, as Miranda Priestly, walked down a hallway, triggering a flood of memories and emotions, making her feel 22 again yet still present in the moment. The film, which wrapped last summer, will see Andy return to Runway magazine as Miranda navigates the complex new media environment, reconnecting with Emily, now a luxury brand executive holding significant commercial power vital for Runway's survival. The reunion of the original cast and crew, including Stanley Tucci as Nigel Kipling, sparked immense joy and a deep appreciation for the film's enduring legacy, with one cast member playfully likening it to 'Gay Christmas'.
The film's visual identity, particularly its fashion, remains a cornerstone, meticulously crafted by costume designer Molly Rogers, who aimed for a timeless aesthetic rather than chasing fleeting trends. Rogers, along with her team, focused on creating seamless and enduring looks, drawing inspiration from the first movie's classic style while incorporating modern elements. Meryl Streep's desire for shoulder pads and Anne Hathaway's input to reflect Andy's journey as a traveling reporter significantly influenced the costume design. Andy's wardrobe, for instance, blends menswear-inspired pieces and vintage finds, showcasing her evolution and her knack for thrifting, further distinguished by a 'magic closet moment' with Nigel. Hair and makeup also saw a contemporary update, with a focus on natural, glowy skin and clean products, ensuring the characters reflected their mature age gracefully, eschewing overly styled or Instagram-driven beauty standards.
The production faced considerable public and media attention, highlighting the drastic changes in pop culture consumption since 2006. Streep recounted the overwhelming roar of fans and paparazzi during filming on Sixth Avenue, and particularly during a Met Gala-inspired scene, noting the surreal experience of seeing people dressed as Miranda. This intense public interest, while at times challenging, also presents new avenues for engagement. Hathaway expressed hopes that the film would encourage audiences to embrace the fun and theatricality of cinema, suggesting viewers don their favorite Miranda Priestly-approved outfits and thoroughly enjoy the movie, mirroring the celebratory spirit seen with films like 'Barbie'.