The highly anticipated sequel to The Devil Wears Prada is set to hit theaters on May 1, 2026, reuniting original cast members including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci. Filming began in June 2025, and the focus is on Meryl Streep’s character, Miranda Priestly, who, despite her intimidating presence on set, is portrayed with a surprising new approach in the follow-up. This change reflects Streep’s evolved performance style in the role, as revealed by co-star Anne Hathaway.
A Renewed Relationship Between Miranda and Andrea After Two Decades
The first look teaser trailer for The Devil Wears Prada 2 shows a more amicable relationship between Streep’s Miranda and Hathaway’s Andrea, now friends rather than adversaries some 20 years later. Hathaway shared with Vogue a memorable moment on set underscoring this shift:
“I heard over the radio: ‘Miranda Priestly is walking.’ Meryl, as Miranda, had started down the hallway ahead of me—I was maybe 50 feet behind her—and seeing her from the back was practically psychedelic. I just felt so many portals open up at that moment. I was 22 again, but it was still now. Thankfully, this time, she didn’t stay in character the entire time, so we had a lot of laughs.”
This glimpse into the on-set atmosphere highlights a more relaxed and playful dynamic between Streep and her co-stars compared to the original film’s production.
Meryl Streep’s Shift Away from Method Acting for the Sequel
During the filming of the first movie in 2006, Streep embraced method acting to fully embody Miranda Priestly, adopting a stern and distant demeanor off camera. This intense commitment meant she largely kept to herself, maintaining a cool separation from other cast members, including Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci. However, the experience left Streep feeling unhappy, and she later vowed never to method act again.
Reflecting on returning to the character, Streep described it as:
“It was like going into the back of your own closet and finding something, thinking, Oh, I wonder if this still fits?”
Although she found the character familiar, Streep chose a different acting approach for the sequel. Unlike before, she was seen interacting warmly with fans and fellow cast members, signaling a departure from the isolated, method-driven portrayal of Miranda.
On-Set Atmosphere and Co-Star Impressions Reflect a New Energy
Justin Theroux, one of Streep’s new co-stars, praised working alongside her, calling the experience “a pleasure and an honor.” The atmosphere on set contrasted sharply with that of the original film, suggesting that Streep’s more approachable Miranda will still retain her trademark sharpness but with added layers of warmth. These changes correspond with Streep’s extensive career since she set aside method acting, during which she has delivered numerous acclaimed performances.
From the official trailer released during the Grammys, it appears Streep’s portrayal of Miranda Priestly remains as compelling and iconic as ever, but with subtle evolution to reflect the passage of time and growth in the character.
Miranda and Andrea’s New Chapter at Runway
The sequel will explore how Miranda Priestly and Andrea—who famously walked away from a key opportunity with Runway magazine in the first film—have developed their relationship after many years apart. Early indications from the trailer suggest that the two characters will reunite professionally, reigniting interest in their dynamic and what has transpired in their lives since the original story ended.
Fans can expect to see the return of Runway’s glamorous fashion world, with Miranda’s personality still cutting through the narrative, now accompanied by fresh nuances in how she relates to others.
Anticipation Builds for the 2026 Release
The Devil Wears Prada 2 promises both nostalgia and reinvention, with Meryl Streep Miranda Priestly’s character offering a blend of the familiar and the new. As the sequel arrives in theaters this spring, audiences can look forward to revisiting the stylish conflict and camaraderie at Runway, set against the backdrop of evolving careers and friendships.
Mark your calendars for May 1, 2026, and prepare to step back into the fashion world with Miranda Priestly’s surprising new twist—this time, with a softer edge but no less commanding presence.
