As production for The Devil Wears Prada 2 officially gets underway, buzz around its star-studded cast has only intensified. A recent report by Variety confirmed a fresh wave of talent joining the franchise, adding even more intrigue to the much-anticipated sequel. New faces stepping into pivotal roles include Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, and Pauline Chalamet. Each brings a unique energy and fanbase to the table, setting the stage for a fashion-driven drama that blends legacy with contemporary relevance. Another notable addition is Bridgerton breakout star Simone Ashley, who will appear alongside original leads Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Anne Hathaway.
Fans of the original 2006 film can also look forward to some familiar names reprising their roles. Stanley Tucci is back as the witty and stylish Nigel Kipling, Miranda Priestly’s steadfast right-hand. Tracie Thoms returns as Lily, Andrea “Andy” Sachs’ best friend whose passion for fashion—and designer handbags—was memorable in the first installment. Tibor Feldman will also return to play Irv Ravitz, the chairman of Runway’s parent company Elias-Clark, reinforcing the sequel’s connection to its roots.
While details about the new characters remain under wraps, Simone Ashley’s involvement has sparked particular interest. According to Deadline, she will be featured in a significant yet mysterious role. This announcement comes shortly after her surprising exclusion from F1: The Movie, in which she had been heavily involved in promotions before her scenes were ultimately cut. Her casting in The Devil Wears Prada 2 marks a promising return to the spotlight for the rising actress.
Adding even more depth to the sequel, Kenneth Branagh is set to play Miranda Priestly’s husband, a new character dynamic not explored in the original film. However, Adrian Grenier, who portrayed Andy’s boyfriend Nate, will not be returning, signaling that the story may have evolved well beyond Andy’s romantic entanglements. As of now, the film remains in active production, but updates on filming progress have been tightly guarded.
The storyline is expected to pick up with Miranda Priestly still at the helm of Runway, though the tides of media have shifted. Facing the harsh realities of a declining print industry, Miranda finds herself in need of financial backing to keep Runway afloat. Ironically, the source of that much-needed support may be her former assistant Emily Charlton, who now holds a powerful and lucrative role that could decide the magazine’s fate. This shift in power promises to bring fresh tension, role reversals, and high-stakes decisions that are bound to resonate with modern audiences navigating a rapidly evolving media and fashion landscape.
With a premiere date locked in for May 1, 2026, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is shaping up to be a compelling continuation of a cult classic. As the original trio returns to navigate new challenges in a cutthroat industry, the blend of returning stars and fresh talent ensures that the sequel will be both nostalgic and relevant.