It's been two decades since The Devil Wears Prada first strutted into our lives, serving up sharp stilettos, sharper one-liners, and an unforgettable peek behind the glossy pages of Runway magazine. We've marveled at Miranda Priestly's (Meryl Streep) icy quips, cheered for Andy Sachs' (Anne Hathaway) transformation, quoted Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt) and Nigel Kipling (Stanley Tucci) endlessly, and debated which outfit deserves the fan-favorite crown. Now, with the sequel premiering this weekend, expectations are sky-high.
The original film worked because it balanced biting satire, heartfelt growth, emotional dips, and jaw-dropping fashion. The sequel has a rare chance to expand on that magic. So, here's our non-negotiable checklist: the six things The Devil Wears Prada 2 must include, or we'll toss it out faster than last season's cerulean sweater.
1. More Fashion Montages, Please
Who could forget Andy's iconic fashion montage set to Madonna's "Vogue"? It's the cinematic equivalent of a triple-shot espresso in a bedazzled cup. The quick cuts, outfit reveals, and the sense that New York streets themselves are strutting along with Andy make it pure joy. We need an update, especially in an age obsessed with fashion reveals and sharp transitions. Plus, think of today's music landscape—Beyoncé, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Dua Lipa. The scoring possibilities are endless. And if the costume glimpses are any guide, Andy's fashion evolution deserves celebration, pinstriped pants and all. Fashion is the heart of the story.
2. More Cameos From Fashion Industry Insiders
One of the original film's delights was spotting real-life fashion faces in cameos. It blurred the line between movie magic and the real industry, making the world feel richer. For the sequel, let's crank that up. A little meta never hurt anyone—even a few blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameos could sparkle. But it's more fun when they don't play themselves. Remember Gisele Bündchen casually playing a Runway employee? We need more of that. Imagine Miranda giving the side-eye to a new co-worker played by Tom Ford, or Emily bonding with Law Roach over martinis. If the director is bold, he'll give us Anna Wintour (even for a five-second gag—the jokes write themselves). These cameos are Easter eggs for fashion lovers. Indulgence is the point.
3. Better Friends for Andy
It's an ongoing joke that, despite Miranda's harrowing ways, the true villains of The Devil Wears Prada were Andy's so-called "support system." Her friends weren't great—they seemed more interested in keeping her in her dowdy writer's box than celebrating her growth. And don't get us started on Nate (Adrian Grenier). He's the dictionary definition of an unsupportive partner, whining about Andy's career sacrifices while doing the same for himself. In the sequel, Andy needs people who understand her ambition without mistaking it for selfishness. With Tracie Thoms returning as Lily, she can show a change of heart, but let's get Andy a new crew—fellow journalists or creative types who get what it's like to chase a dream. They can call her out when needed, but they must cheer her on when she wins. Hopefully, Patrick Brammel's character becomes the love interest she deserves.
4. A (Slightly) Dethroned Miranda
Miranda Priestly is an icon known for icy authority. But sequels are about evolution. While there were humanizing moments, for most of the original, Miranda was untouchable. So wouldn't it be fun to see the fashion titan meet her match? Perhaps a younger, hungrier rival threatens her reign, or the rise of the digital age chips away at her power. The latter may be the case if rumors are true. Knocking down the Queen of Runway would be ripe for drama. With several mega-stars joining the cast, any could slot into that rival role. Our personal preference? Let's hope the other rumors are true and have Emily Charlton call the shots. The poeticism is too good to miss. Still, we don't want Miranda groveling or irrelevant. Her strength is her weapon, and watching her outmaneuver new threats in the post-print era could be thrilling.
5. A Juicy Reunion Between the Main Trio
Despite the chaos, the chemistry between Miranda, Emily, and Andy was magnetic—part high-fashion workplace drama, part Mean Girls in couture. Every scene between them had layers: respect, envy, disgust, begrudging admiration. We got a semblance of closure at the end, but imagine the tension of a reunion years later. The sequel must deliver a scene where these three share the screen again, with all the unresolved history simmering beneath the surface. It's the emotional core the story needs.
With the streaming surge for the original signaling blockbuster interest, the sequel has a lot to live up to. If it nails these must-haves, it could become another comfort movie. If not, well, we'll be tossing it out faster than last season's cerulean sweater.
