A composite image of Anne Hathaway looking on with Meryl Streep staring at someone and Emily Blunt looking shocked in The Devil Wears Prada

It was recently announced that The Devil Wears Prada 2 is in development at Disney, and though this sequel is incredibly exciting, it’s already facing a tough Anne Hathaway problem. The new The Devil Wears Prada movie will see the return of Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly, struggling to maintain her success as the magazine industry declines. Meanwhile, she must go toe-to-toe with her former intern, Emily, who is now a powerful executive for a luxury group. While The Devil Wears Prada’s screenwriter, Aline Brosh McKenna is rumored to be returning, no cast has been confirmed.

After premiering to great success in 2006, The Devil Wears Prada has become a classic. Based on the real-life experiences of author Lauren Weisberger, who worked as Anna Wintour’s personal assistant, the movie feels both intensely dramatic, yet realistic. It toes the line between hilarious, serious, and hopeful. However, the best part of the film is The Devil Wears Prada’s cast. The film was Emily Blunt’s breakout role, and Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly is iconic. Yet, Anne Hathaway really brought them all together, and now, she may put a wrench in the sequel.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 Is Happening – But Anne Hathaway May Not Return

Hathaway Has Downplayed A Sequel

Stanley Tucci as Nigel puts shoes in the hands of Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada

Despite the fact that Anne Hathaway’s Andy is the hero of The Devil Wears Prada, she may not reprise her role for The Devil Wears Prada 2. First, it is a story issue. At the end of The Devil Wears Prada, Andy is gaining favor with Miranda, yet she suddenly quits after discovering Miranda sacrificed one of her beloved employees to save her own job. Not wanting to become like Miranda, Andy leaves Runway and takes a job at a major newspaper. The final scene implies that, though the two shared a unique experience, they are going their separate ways.

Furthermore, Anne Hathaway herself has cast doubt on the idea of her returning to the film. In April 2024, Hathaway completed an interview with VMagazine, wherein she was asked about the possibility of The Devil Wears Prada 2. She said there would “probably not” be another movie, and argued that current technology takes away the charm that the original movie had. Hathaway gave a similar response in 2022 as well in an interview with The View. Ultimately, Hathaway seems interested in reuniting with The Devil Wears Prada cast, but doesn’t think The Devil Wears Prada 2 could truly work.

Can The Devil Wears Prada Work Without Anne Hathaway?

The Devil Wears Prada 2 May Suffer Without Andy

Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs holding a magazine in The Devil Wears Prada

Anne Hathaway may have doubts about The Devil Wears Prada 2, but the sequel is officially happening. Unfortunately, it might not be the same without her. Not only is Hathaway a key member of the original cast, but her character brings an important perspective. Where Miranda, Emily, and Nigel are all steeped in the competitive world of the fashion industry, Hathaway’s Andy is clueless and optimistic, like the audience. She is also morally good, whereas the others are more concerned about themselves. Andy humanizes the other characters and makes them more likable.

Ultimately, The Devil Wears Prada 2 will work without Anne Hathaway, but it may not be nearly as good as the original. Audiences need a hero to root for, and unfortunately, neither Miranda nor Emily make for good heroes. Perhaps the time jump will change their characters, but even that could be risky. At this point, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a compelling endeavor, but the movie will have many storytelling obstacles to overcome.