Apr 29, 2026 3:57pm IST
The Runway Reopens: Why Critics are Calling ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ a ‘Phenomenal’ Success
The fashion world is buzzing once again now that the first screenings of "The Devil Wears Prada 2" have concluded, leaving members of the press in awe of the highly anticipated follow-up. Two decades after the original film became a cultural touchstone, Meryl Streep’s return to the role of Miranda Priestly is being celebrated as a massive success that manages to be both charming and genuinely heartwarming.
Early social media reactions suggest that the magic of the first film has been expertly preserved. Entertainment journalist Daniel Baptista shared his thoughts on X, describing the project as a “fun and fierce sequel” that provides a natural evolution for stars Streep and Anne Hathaway. He noted that “it feels familiar in the best way, timely in the right ways, and is well worth the wait.”
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This sentiment was mirrored by Variety’s senior artisans editor Jazz Tangcay, who used the platform to call the film “phenomenal” and “the perfect sequel that exceeded all expectations.” Tangcay offered high praise for the creative team, noting that “Aline Brosh McKenna’s script is sharp and witty. We’ll be quoting this for years to come. Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt are still great. Stunning costumes, and that soundtrack slaps hard.”
The production reunites the core creative force of the 2006 hit, including director David Frankel and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna. While the beloved quartet of Streep, Hathaway, Blunt, and Stanley Tucci returns to lead the story, the sequel introduces an impressive roster of new talent. Kenneth Branagh joins the cast as Miranda Priestly’s husband, alongside Simone Ashley, Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, and B.J. Novak.
However, capturing this lightning in a bottle for a second time was not without its challenges. Because the film’s legacy has grown so significantly over the last twenty years, filming on the actual streets of New York City became a logistical hurdle as crowds of fans and paparazzi frequently interrupted production. The sheer volume of attention was so intense that even a veteran like Meryl Streep found the experience daunting.
Speaking with Harper’s Bazaar, Streep reflected on the difficulty of filming amidst such a public spectacle. “Even though we were aware of the impact of the first film two decades ago, I think none of us were prepared for the ambush of both goodwill and avid attention that engulfed us,” Streep said. “We needed police barriers and crowd control. Buses of fans turned up, and paparazzi swarmed and in one case kept jumping in front of the camera and the shot and got in a kerfuffle with the crew. Annie kept her cool, but I was unnerved.”
Didn’t expect parts of #TheDevilWearsPrada2 to feel like a documentary on the painful state of journalism. Glad that a mainstream film unfolds around this urgent reality. Overall, I’m more muted in my reaction than my peers. Still, it’s nice to see you again, cerulean sweater. pic.twitter.com/FZmFgEKjrv
— Tomris Laffly (@TomiLaffly) April 27, 2026
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 is a little frictionless and high on its own supply of member berry juice, but tbh i was just happy to see my friends Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt together again
— Hoai-Tran Bui (@htranbui) April 28, 2026
I'm stunned that a tentpole, studio summer blockbuster sequel said "support your publications and the journalists who are the real arbiters of taste" on main — and still managed to be a relatively great movie. If nobody got us, DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 got us. More soon. pic.twitter.com/R6beGDM4L7
— Rendy Jones (@rendy_jones) April 27, 2026
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2: Stanley Tucci made me cry TWICE. I loved it. No notes.
— Rachel Leishman (@RachelLeishman) April 27, 2026
Hard to imagine anyone who’s a fan of the first film being disappointed with THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2. It’s funny, charming, and filled with genuinely heartwarming payoffs. Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci slip back into their roles as if no time has… pic.twitter.com/9Wi9FMI6or
— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) April 27, 2026
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 is, surprisingly, quite charming and fun, despite that awful trailer! Will be a massive hit
— Brett (@BrettRedacted) April 27, 2026
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