The announcement of The Devil Wears Prada 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2006 cult classic, has sent waves of excitement through the fashion and film worlds. With production underway and a theatrical release slated for May 1, 2026, the return of Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci promises to revive the glamorous yet cutthroat world of Runway magazine. However, the addition of new cast members, including Hollywood veteran Lucy Liu and rising star Pauline Chalamet, has sparked a firestorm of controversy among fans. While the sequel’s star-studded ensemble has generated buzz, the casting choices have ignited fierce debates, with some praising the fresh faces and others decrying them as a misstep. This article explores the casting, the reported backlash, the potential roles of Liu and Chalamet, the sequel’s plot, and what this controversy means for the film’s future.

A Star-Studded Ensemble: Returning Favorites and Newcomers

The Devil Wears Prada 2 reunites the original film’s core cast, with Meryl Streep reprising her iconic role as the icy Miranda Priestly, Anne Hathaway as the transformed Andy Sachs, Emily Blunt as the sharp-tongued Emily Charlton, and Stanley Tucci as the ever-charming Nigel Kipling. Returning supporting actors include Tracie Thoms as Lily, Andy’s loyal best friend, and Tibor Feldman as Irv Ravitz, the chairman of Runway’s parent company, Elias-Clark. The return of director David Frankel, screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, and producer Karen Rosenfelt ensures continuity with the original’s biting wit and stylish flair.

Joining this powerhouse lineup are several high-profile newcomers, including Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, Pauline Chalamet, comedian Caleb Hearon, and Broadway stars Helen J. Shen and Conrad Ricamora. Simone Ashley, known for Bridgerton, and Kenneth Branagh, set to play Miranda’s husband, further elevate the cast’s star power. Notably, Adrian Grenier, who played Andy’s boyfriend Nate Cooper in the original, is not expected to return, aligning with the first film’s conclusion where Andy and Nate parted ways.

The casting announcements, first reported by Variety on July 8, 2025, have fueled anticipation for a sequel that promises to tackle the evolving landscape of magazine publishing. However, the inclusion of Lucy Liu and Pauline Chalamet has drawn particular scrutiny, with fans expressing mixed sentiments about their fit in the Runway universe.

The Backlash: Why Are Fans Upset?

While the casting of Liu and Chalamet has been celebrated by some for adding diversity and fresh talent, a vocal subset of fans has taken to social media to voice their discontent. The backlash, as reflected in posts on X, appears to stem from several concerns. For one, some fans argue that the influx of new characters risks diluting the focus on the original quartet—Streep, Hathaway, Blunt, and Tucci—whose chemistry was central to the first film’s success. The 2006 movie, based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel, grossed $326 million worldwide and earned Streep an Oscar nomination, largely due to its tightly knit ensemble and sharp narrative. Fans fear that an overcrowded cast could overshadow the core story.

Lucy Liu, known for her roles in Charlie’s Angels, Kill Bill, and Set It Up, brings undeniable star power and versatility. However, some fans question whether her commanding screen presence aligns with the Runway aesthetic, which thrives on subtle nuance and understated menace. Speculation about her role—possibly as a rival editor, a high-powered influencer, or a new ally for Miranda—has fueled debates about whether Liu’s bold persona fits the film’s tone. Some X posts suggest fans see her as “too big” for a supporting role, potentially disrupting the delicate balance of the original’s character dynamics.

Pauline Chalamet, known for The Sex Lives of College Girls and as Timothée Chalamet’s sister, faces a different critique. Her casting has been labeled by some as “nepotism,” with detractors arguing that her relatively limited film experience makes her an odd choice for a high-profile sequel. Critics on X have questioned whether her inclusion is a strategic move to capitalize on her brother’s fame rather than a merit-based decision. Others, however, defend Chalamet, pointing to her comedic timing and charm as assets that could bring a fresh perspective to Runway’s younger generation. Her potential role—perhaps as a new assistant or a social media-savvy intern—remains unconfirmed, adding to the speculation.

The backlash isn’t universal. Many fans are thrilled about Liu’s addition, citing her ability to hold her own alongside Streep, and Chalamet’s supporters argue that her youthful energy could reflect the modern media landscape the sequel reportedly explores. Posts on X also highlight excitement for the diverse cast, with some praising the inclusion of Broadway talent like Shen and Ricamora. Still, the controversy underscores the high stakes for a sequel to a beloved film, where every casting choice is scrutinized.

The Plot: A Modern Take on Runway

While plot details remain closely guarded, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is rumored to follow Miranda Priestly as she navigates the decline of traditional magazine publishing in the digital age. According to Variety, the story pits Miranda against Emily Charlton, now a high-powered executive at a luxury conglomerate, in a battle over advertising dollars crucial to Runway’s survival. This premise, loosely inspired by Weisberger’s 2013 novel Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns, updates the original’s focus on print media to reflect today’s social media-driven fashion world.

The sequel’s narrative could provide context for Liu and Chalamet’s roles. Liu might play a tech-savvy media mogul or a rival editor challenging Miranda’s dominance, while Chalamet could portray a younger character navigating the influencer culture that now overshadows traditional magazines. The clash between old-school glamour and modern trends offers fertile ground for drama, but it also raises questions about how new characters will integrate without overshadowing the original stars.

Addressing the Controversy: A Risky Move or a Bold Vision?

The backlash against Liu and Chalamet’s casting reflects broader concerns about sequels to iconic films. The original Devil Wears Prada succeeded because of its sharp satire, memorable characters, and cultural resonance, capturing the fashion world’s allure and ruthlessness. Fans worry that adding too many new faces could dilute this magic, a sentiment echoed in an X post warning that the sequel risks becoming a “self-promotional mess” for the fashion industry. The fear is that The Devil Wears Prada 2 might prioritize star power and brand tie-ins over storytelling, especially in an era where social media influencers dominate fashion.

However, the casting choices also suggest a deliberate effort to refresh the franchise. Liu’s proven track record in high-energy roles and Chalamet’s appeal to younger audiences could bridge the gap between the original’s 2006 setting and today’s digital landscape. The inclusion of diverse talent like Simone Ashley and Caleb Hearon further signals an intent to reflect a broader, more inclusive fashion world. Aline Brosh McKenna, the screenwriter, acknowledged the buzz around early set photos in a Variety post, calling it an “honor” to see such fan engagement. This suggests the production team is aware of the scrutiny and aiming to balance nostalgia with innovation.

What’s Next for The Devil Wears Prada 2?

With production underway in New York, as evidenced by filming at the Natural History Museum, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is on track for its May 1, 2026 release. The film’s success will hinge on its ability to honor the original’s legacy while carving a new path. The casting controversy, while heated, may ultimately drive interest, as fans debate whether Liu and Chalamet can hold their own in Runway’s high-stakes world.

For now, the backlash reflects the passion of a fanbase protective of a cultural touchstone. Whether Liu’s commanding presence and Chalamet’s fresh-faced charm will win over skeptics remains to be seen. As Miranda Priestly herself might say, “That’s all.” But for fans, the conversation is just beginning.