Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep will reunite on screen after nearly 20 years.
Let me tell you, when I first heard that Anne Hathaway was going to revisit the role of Andy Sachs, I felt a little flutter of excitement, the kind you get when you spot a familiar dish on a street‑food stall after years of missing it. It reminded me of those evenings back in Delhi when my friends and I would binge‑watch the original Devil Wears Prada, quoting Miranda Priestly’s iconic lines while sipping chai on the balcony. So, you can imagine my delight when Anne Hathaway opened up about her very first thoughts after reading the new script for The Devil Wears Prada 2.
Anne Hathaway said, “My first thought was, ‘Did Meryl Streep read it yet? What did Meryl Streep think?’ And then I heard yes, Meryl Streep did read it, and Meryl Streep loved it. Well, this has to be amazing.” Honestly, that moment felt like the instant relief you get when you find out the last piece of samosa you were eyeing is still warm. Anne Hathaway’s curiosity about Meryl Streep’s reaction was genuine, and the fact that Meryl Streep loved the script added an extra layer of excitement for everyone who grew up loving the first film.
When I looked deeper into what Anne Hathaway had to say, there was a second line that struck a chord. She went on, “And I read it, and it was beyond what I hoped for. I think over the years we’ve all wondered what Miranda Priestly, Andy Sachs, Emily Charlton and Nigel Kipling were up to, and I guarantee you, anything we thought of did not come close to what writer Aline Brosh McKenna has come up with for all of us. And it was a joy to make it.” This confession felt like sitting with a close cousin over a cup of filter coffee, sharing how a long‑awaited sequel finally lived up to the hype. It reminded me of the countless times in Mumbai cafés when friends would discuss how a sequel could either be a disaster or a masterpiece, and here, Anne Hathaway seemed genuinely convinced it would be the latter.
The whole fan event in Tokyo, where Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep interacted with an enthusiastic crowd, felt like an amalgamation of Bollywood launch parties and K‑pop fan meets. The duo answered questions, smiled for selfies, and even shared a few laughs about the original shooting locations. When Anne Hathaway mentioned the script, the audience could see the sparkle in her eyes, which, frankly, reminded me of that feeling when you hear a favourite old song playing on the radio while you’re stuck in traffic on the Mumbai expressway – unexpected and instantly uplifting.
Now, let’s talk about the rest of the cast because the excitement doesn’t end with Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep. The sequel brings back Emily Blunt, who originally played the ever‑witty Emily Charlton, and Stanley Tucci, who portrayed the ever‑charming Nigel Kipling. Seeing their names listed in the announcements gave me a nostalgic jolt, like opening a box of old school crayons and finding the colour I used most for drawing cartoon characters. Their return promises to retain the chemistry that made the original film so beloved.
But the excitement doubles when you see the fresh faces joining the ensemble. Kenneth Branagh, known for his Shakespearean flair, is set to add a new dimension to the fashion world. Simone Ashley, who has become a household name after starring in popular Indian‑inspired series, is set to bring a dash of contemporary swagger. Then there’s Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, Pauline Chalamet, B.J. Novak, and Conrad Ricamora – a truly eclectic mix that feels like a curated playlist for a long road trip across the country. Each of these actors is expected to play characters that’ll keep the runway drama fresh and unpredictable.
Even the supporting cast from the original film gets a nod, with Tracie Thoms returning as Lily and Tibor Feldman back as Irv. It’s a subtle reminder that every character, big or small, added a unique colour to the original tapestry. In my hometown, we often say that the best masala chai has a bit of each spice – the same idea applies here; the blend of returning favourites and new talent promises a flavor that’s both familiar and novel.
Behind the scenes, the film reunites director David Frankel with writer Aline Brosh McKenna, the duo responsible for the original’s witty dialogue and heartfelt moments. Knowing that they are back at the helm gives fans a sense of assurance, just like when you trust a family-run dhaba to serve the same tasty meals you fell in love with years ago. Their collaboration is expected to weave a narrative that respects the legacy while taking bold steps into modern fashion culture.
The production side of things also boasts impressive names. Wendy Finerman is the main producer, while Michael Bederman, Karen Rosenfelt, and Aline Brosh McKenna serve as executive producers. The involvement of such seasoned professionals reminds me of the robust crew that works behind the camera for big Indian film sets, ensuring every detail, from set design to costume authenticity, is spot‑on.
Speaking of costumes, one can’t help but imagine the sartorial spectacle The Devil Wears Prada 2 will bring to the big screen. The original movie made many of us in India start paying more attention to runway looks, and I’m sure the sequel will reignite that curiosity. With new characters entering the fashion arena, there’s a good chance we’ll see a mix of classic elegance and avant‑garde designs, perhaps even some nods to Indian textile traditions – a thought that makes me smile, picturing a traditional silk sari making a cameo on the chaotic New York fashion floor.
From the promotional angle, the film is set to release under the banner of 20th Century Studios. The studio’s track record of handling big‑budget, high‑profile movies adds a layer of confidence for audiences worldwide. The official release date is slated for 1st May, which feels just right – early summer, a time when people across the subcontinent start planning vacations and looking for entertaining movies to watch on holidays.
While waiting for the actual release, fans like me are reveling in the wave of updates coming from the Tokyo fan event. There were moments when Anne Hathaway described how she felt reading the script, comparing the experience to a cherished book you revisit after many years and still find new lessons hidden in its pages. Meryl Streep, on the other hand, shared a brief but heartfelt comment expressing her enthusiasm for re‑entering the world she helped create. Their mutual excitement is contagious, much like the way a local bhangra performance lifts the spirits of a gathering crowd.
On a personal note, I’ve kept the original Devil Wears Prada DVD on my shelf, and every time I turn it on, the fashion, the humor, and the underlying message about staying true to oneself hit me anew. Anne Hathaway’s upcoming return feels like getting a chance to see an old friend after a long journey, and the anticipation builds up with every tweet, interview, and fan‑made poster circulating on social media. In India, it’s not uncommon for fans to create elaborate fan walls outside theatres; I can already see such walls popping up once The Devil Wears Prada 2 finally hits the cinemas.
In summary, the combination of Anne Hathaway’s genuine enthusiasm, Meryl Streep’s timeless elegance, the return of original cast members, and the infusion of fresh talent sets the stage for a sequel that promises to be both nostalgic and forward‑looking. The collaborative effort of director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna, backed by a seasoned production team, adds credibility to the project. As we await the release on 1st May, the buzz generated from the Tokyo fan event keeps the excitement alive, reminding us that great cinema has the power to bring people together across continents, much like a shared love for masala dosa or cutting‑edge fashion.
