Sequel to The Devil Wears Prada in Development: Writer and Producer on Board

It has been 18 years since “The Devil Wears Prada” graced our screens, with Meryl Streep’s iconic portrayal of the steely editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly. Released in 2006, the film was a massive hit, earning $326.7 million at the worldwide box office and an Academy Award nomination for Streep as Best Actress.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a sequel to this beloved film is underway, penned by original scriptwriter Aline Brosh McKenna. Wendy Finerman, who produced the first movie, is also involved in this project.

For years, a follow-up to “The Devil Wears Prada” has been a topic of speculation. Its stars, including Streep, Emily Blunt, and Anne Hathaway, even teased fans with a playful homage to their roles during this year’s SAG Awards. Streep was supposed to announce the winner for Best Actor in a Comedy Series but found herself without the envelope and her glasses. Blunt and Hathaway came to the rescue, with Blunt having the envelope and Hathaway providing the glasses. Before Streep could continue, the duo humorously quoted lines from the film, much to the delight of the audience.

In a playful moment, Blunt remarked that Streep and her character Miranda Priestly were like twins, which prompted Streep’s objection. Hathaway chimed in, “No, it wasn’t a question.” As Streep fumbled with the envelope, Blunt quoted, “By all means move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.”

The original 2006 film was adapted from Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel. It followed Andy (Hathaway), a fresh journalism graduate who lands a coveted position as the assistant to Runway magazine’s formidable editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly. Andy navigates the complexities of high fashion with the help—or hindrance—of the other assistant, Emily (Blunt).

Many believe Priestly is a fictionalized version of Vogue editor Anna Wintour, given that the author worked as a writer and editor for Vogue.

Puck was the first outlet to break the news of the sequel’s development and offered potential plot ideas. One such plot imagines Miranda still helming Runway but facing financial hardships, reducing the magazine’s once-iconic status. Emily, on the other hand, is now an executive at a luxury brand and buys advertisement space in the magazine.

Anne Hathaway shared her thoughts on the possibility of a sequel, expressing doubts. “I don’t think a continuation of that story is probably ever gonna happen,” she told E! News.

Interestingly, the original book does have sequels. The first, “Revenge Wears Prada,” was published in 2013, followed by “When Life Gives You Lululemons” in 2018. “Revenge Wears Prada” is set a decade after the events of the first novel. Andy and Emily are now friends and partners in a successful high-end wedding magazine called The Plunge. The magazine’s triumph leads Miranda to make an offer to buy it. The book explores Andy’s lingering resentment toward Miranda and Emily’s desire to sell the magazine and move on.

While “Revenge Wears Prada” didn’t resonate as much with fans, the third book, “When Life Gives You Lululemons,” offers a compelling narrative focused on Emily. By this time, Emily has become an image consultant for A-list celebrities. She lands a high-profile client, supermodel Karolina Hartwell, whose image requires rehabilitation. This book is a delightful read, featuring Emily’s signature snark and a revenge-fueled plot involving Karolina. Miranda also makes a significant appearance, putting Emily’s resourcefulness and wit to the test.

Given the engaging storyline of the third book, it seems like a better candidate for adaptation. Watching Emily stand up to her former boss, Miranda, while leveraging her industry connections could make for an exciting film.

Seeing Emily Blunt reprise her role and go head-to-head with Meryl Streep’s Miranda would undoubtedly be a cinematic treat. Anne Hathaway’s character may be well off on her adventures, possibly in Genovia by the time this sequel hits the screens.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Puck, E! News