The Devil Wears Prada 2 Review: Critics Slam Repetitive Sequel

The sequel to the 2006 hit “The Devil Wears Prada” is drawing mixed reactions from critics, with some praising its stylish return and performances from Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, while others criticize its repetitive plot and lack of originality. Reviews began surfacing on April 29, 2026, ahead of the film’s theatrical release on Friday.

The New Yorker’s Justin Chang wrote that the film grants its protagonists “some romantic redemption,” noting that the offices of Runway magazine have become “a moderately kinder, gentler place” two decades after the original film. However, Chang also suggests the first film “was a fairy tale with many frogs and nary a single viable Prince Charming.”

The New York Post described the sequel as “a good time, even if the high-pressure world of Vogue, er, Runway magazine is no longer the epitome of New York luxury and glamour it was back in the aughts.” The review acknowledged the film’s heavier tone, noting it’s “definitely not the fizzy Bellini the first film was,” and attributes this to its focus on the survival of the fashion industry itself.

Miranda Priestly’s Evolution and the Changing Industry

According to The New Yorker, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the formidable editor-in-chief of Runway, still demands perfection but has been “slapped on the wrist enough times by human resources to curb her abuses.” The review details a scene where she struggles to hang up her own coat, a sign of “age, perhaps, but also of humiliation.”

The New York Post review highlights a significant shift in the film’s setting, noting that Miranda is now forced to fly coach during a trip to Milan, a stark contrast to the extravagance depicted in the original film. This change reflects the broader challenges facing the fashion magazine industry, which the sequel addresses as a central theme.

Plot and Character Arcs

The sequel sees Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) working as an investigative reporter for the New York Vanguard, according to the New York Post. The film diverges from the original’s focus on an assistant navigating a cutthroat environment, instead exploring the pressures of corporate consolidation and downsizing within the industry.

The New York Post review notes the film’s length—119 minutes—and attributes this to the surprising amount of plot, which includes discussions of budget cuts and corporate restructuring alongside the usual fashion-world elements. Despite its length and heavier themes, the review concludes that the sequel is “likable and thankfully not the garish embarrassment that it could have so easily become.”

Critical Reception

While specific ratings and aggregated scores were not provided in the available sources, initial reactions suggest a generally positive, though not overwhelmingly enthusiastic, response to “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” Critics appear to be appreciating the return of the beloved characters and the film’s stylish aesthetic, even while acknowledging its narrative shortcomings.

The film is rated PG-13 for strong language and some suggestive references.