The long-awaited trailer for The Devil Wears Prada 2 has finally been released, generating a whirlwind of reactions from dedicated fans of the original cult classic. While many are enthusiastically "already seated" for the sequel, the preview has sparked significant debate over creative choices, particularly surrounding Meryl Streep's iconic character, Miranda Priestly, and the film's overall visual aesthetic.
A Glamorous Return to Runway
Two decades after the original film's release, the core cast reassembles for this highly anticipated follow-up. Anne Hathaway reprises her role as Andy Sachs, who returns to the hallowed halls of Runway magazine as the new Features Editor. Meryl Streep is back as the formidable Editor-in-Chief, Miranda Priestly, with Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci also returning as Emily and Nigel, respectively.
The trailer opens with a dramatic shot of Miranda alone on a Met Gala-style red carpet, adorned in a striking asymmetric red gown. It then cuts to Andy's arrival at the office, set to the iconic beats of Madonna's Vogue. The familiar, sharp-witted banter quickly resumes, with Emily noting Andy's increased confidence while quipping she has "kept those eyebrows." Stanley Tucci's voiceover declares, "Runway... It's not just a magazine. It's a global icon, a winding road that brings us back together again."
Miranda's Mysterious Memory Lapse
However, one particular moment has dominated fan discussion. In a surprising twist, Miranda Priestly appears to have no recollection of "the Emilys." Following Andy's grand entrance, Miranda turns to Nigel and asks, "Sorry, who is this?" This apparent amnesia has left a portion of the audience perplexed and critical.
Fans have taken to social media platforms like Reddit and X to voice their opinions. One fan commented, "I don't really like the 'amnesia Miranda' they've got going on here. She's not stupid and forgetful enough to have that reaction." Another questioned, "Honestly need to know if Miranda is just pretending to forget everything that happened before out of spite to everyone or what?"
Conversely, other viewers have defended the creative decision, interpreting it as perfectly in character for Miranda's notoriously petty and dismissive nature. One supporter wrote, "Miranda pretending to not recognise Andy because her petty ass still hasn't moved on from Andy leaving her is iconic." Another added, "Miranda Priestly simply does not have time for remembering two nobodies who once worked for her twenty years ago." The debate even escalated to humorous concerns, with one fan asking, "Why are half [of you] saying dementia? Can't my toxic editor in chief have a little fun terrorising her Emilys again?"
Debate Over the 'Flat' Visual Palette
Beyond character concerns, some fans have criticised the trailer's visual presentation, describing it as looking "flat" or "washed out" compared to the original film's vibrant style. This critique points towards a broader trend in modern cinematography often colloquially dubbed the "Netflix look," characterised by softer highlights and more muted, naturalistic colour palettes.
Digital colourist Hootan Haghshenas has previously explained that this aesthetic represents a specific stylistic direction, not merely a cost-saving measure. "There is sometimes a misconception that darker images are purely a cost-saving strategy," he noted. "Even though it can appear effortless, there's usually a huge amount of work behind achieving this kind of naturalistic look." Despite this technical perspective, the visual shift remains a point of contention for some audience members.
Underlying Excitement for the Sequel
Despite these debates and a general cultural fatigue over sequels, the overall fan response leans towards excited anticipation. Many are celebrating the mere return of these beloved characters. One fan declared, "This is the best thing to happen since Oscar De La Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns," a clever nod to a famous line from the original film.
Others are simply thrilled by the prospect of more fashion and drama from Miranda Priestly. A fan shared, "We've seen enough, give mama Meryl her flowers already for gagging us with these looks," referencing the stunning outfits featured in the trailer. Another supporter urged, "This looks like so much fun. Yeah, not everything needs a sequel but this one does. One of the coolest movies of all times having a sequel after 20 years is iconic."
The Original's Enduring Legacy
The original The Devil Wears Prada, released in June 2006, was a critical and commercial smash. It earned Meryl Streep nominations for an Academy Award, a BAFTA, and a Critics Choice Award, with her winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy. The film grossed an impressive $326 million worldwide and has since woven itself deeply into popular culture.
Reflecting on the film's unexpected legacy, Anne Hathaway shared, "I didn't realise it was gonna have such a lasting impression... Not the way it's sort of woven into the culture and it's become such a touchstone for so many people." This enduring affection is precisely why the sequel's trailer has generated such passionate and divided discussion.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is scheduled for release in cinemas on May 1, 2026. Whether fans are critiquing Miranda's memory or the colour grading, one thing is clear: the world of Runway still commands an audience's full attention.
