Anne Hathaway didn’t just reprise her role as Andy Sachs for “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” she actively shaped the production to reflect a more responsible portrayal of the fashion industry. Meryl Streep, who returns as the formidable Miranda Priestly, revealed in a new Harper’s Bazaar cover story that Hathaway intervened to ensure the sequel wouldn’t feature models exhibiting dangerously low body weights. The commitment to a healthier representation underscores a shift in industry awareness, two decades after the original film’s release.
The original “Devil Wears Prada,” released in 2006, became a cultural touchstone, offering a satirical look at the high-stakes world of fashion. However, the sequel, slated for release May 1 from 20th Century Studios and Disney, is unfolding in a markedly different landscape. Unlike the first film, which faced initial hesitation from fashion houses wary of association with a potentially critical portrayal, the sequel reportedly enjoyed significant support from luxury brands. The cast, including Hathaway and Streep, even attended runway shows during Milan Fashion Week as part of the production process, offering a glimpse behind the velvet rope.
A Wake-Up Call in Milan
It was during these runway shows that Streep became acutely aware of the persistent issue of unrealistic body standards within the fashion world. “I was struck by how not only beautiful and young—everyone seems young to me—but alarmingly thin the models were,” Streep told Harper’s Bazaar. “I thought that all had been addressed years ago.” The actress noted that Hathaway quickly recognized the same issue and proactively addressed it with the film’s producers. “Annie clocked it too, and she made a beeline to the producers about it, securing promises that the models in the demonstrate that we were putting together for our film would not be so skeletal! She’s a stand-up girl,” Streep said.
This intervention highlights a growing conversation about body image and representation within the fashion industry. While progress has been made in recent years, with some brands embracing more diverse casting and size inclusivity, concerns about the prevalence of extremely thin models remain. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has issued health guidelines for models, but enforcement and industry-wide adoption remain ongoing challenges, according to a 2018 Vogue report.
Navigating Fame and a Changed Media Landscape
Filming “The Devil Wears Prada 2” wasn’t without its challenges. Streep described being “unnerved” by the intense public attention the production attracted. “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,” she explained. Reports from late 2024 confirmed that paparazzi and fans regularly swarmed the New York City set, sometimes disrupting filming. Variety reported instances of fans attempting to interfere with shots, requiring police intervention and crowd control.
Director David Frankel acknowledged Hathaway’s central role in managing the demanding production. “She really carried the heavy, heavy load,” Frankel said. “I mean, she’s in every scene of this movie, so she really had to show up day after day, and she was tireless and uncomplaining and enthusiastic.” Frankel also emphasized the evolution of the media landscape since the first film’s release, noting that the sequel reflects the realities of a changing industry. “Andy has had a career in journalism that mirrors a lot of people’s experiences in journalism these days… [the sequel] is a movie about a woman in her 40s … about how you make peace with the world as you locate it, not the world that you wish existed.”
What to Expect from the Sequel
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” picks up with Andy Sachs (Hathaway) now a features editor at Runway magazine, bringing her back into the orbit of Miranda Priestly (Streep). The film explores their dynamic as they attempt to revitalize the publication. Emily Blunt reprises her role as Emily Charlton, now a high-powered executive, and Stanley Tucci returns as the beloved Nigel Kipling. The storyline promises a nuanced exploration of ambition, compromise, and the challenges of navigating a career in a rapidly evolving media environment.
The sequel’s focus on the changing world of media is particularly relevant. The rise of digital platforms, social media, and influencer culture has fundamentally altered the fashion industry, creating new opportunities and challenges for publications like Runway. The film’s exploration of these themes suggests a willingness to engage with contemporary issues and offer a commentary on the current state of the industry.
The production’s commitment to responsible representation, spearheaded by Hathaway, signals a broader shift in Hollywood towards greater inclusivity and awareness. While the film is ultimately a work of fiction, its willingness to address sensitive issues like body image and industry standards reflects a growing demand for ethical storytelling. The film’s success at the box office, beginning May 1, will likely be seen as a barometer of audience appetite for such narratives.
As “The Devil Wears Prada 2” prepares for its release, the industry will be watching to see how it navigates the complexities of the modern fashion world. The next major milestone will be the film’s premiere and the subsequent critical and audience response.
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