The Devil Wears Prada (2006) remains one of the most iconic films in modern pop culture, celebrated not just for its humor and fashion, but for the iconic performances by its stars. Among them, Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of Andrea Sachs, an aspiring journalist who finds herself working for the powerful Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep), captured the hearts of millions. The film’s success has made it a staple in discussions about workplace dynamics, personal growth, and, of course, fashion.
With the continued love for The Devil Wears Prada and the increasing demand for sequels and spin-offs in Hollywood, fans have long speculated whether the movie could ever return to the big screen. The question on everyone’s mind is: will Anne Hathaway return for a Prada sequel? Let’s explore the chances of this happening, diving into what Hathaway has said about the potential for a follow-up, the state of the industry, and what a sequel could look like.
The Legacy of The Devil Wears Prada
Before diving into the specifics of Hathaway’s possible return, it’s essential to revisit the cultural impact of The Devil Wears Prada. Directed by David Frankel and based on the 2003 novel by Lauren Weisberger, the film follows the journey of Andrea Sachs, a recent college graduate who lands a job as Miranda Priestly’s assistant at the fictional fashion magazine Runway. The character of Miranda Priestly, an iconic villain in the world of fashion, was masterfully portrayed by Meryl Streep, earning her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination.
Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of Andrea was a defining role in her career. At the time of filming, Hathaway was still a rising star, best known for her roles in The Princess Diaries and Ella Enchanted. Playing Andrea, a relatable yet ambitious character trying to navigate the high-pressure world of fashion, was a major shift in Hathaway’s career. Her performance was universally praised for being both vulnerable and empowering, balancing the demands of an unrealistic job with Andrea’s personal struggles.
The film’s success at the box office, critical acclaim, and cultural relevance made it an instant classic, inspiring numerous fashion trends, memes, and lines that are still quoted today. “That’s all,” Miranda Priestly’s infamous dismissal, became iconic, as did Andrea’s memorable transformation from a humble, plain-Jane assistant to someone who embraced the stylish world of fashion.
With such a lasting legacy, it is no wonder that fans have been clamoring for a sequel ever since.
The Possibility of a Sequel
Over the years, rumors of a sequel to The Devil Wears Prada have persisted. Some have speculated that a continuation of Andrea’s journey, now further established in the fashion industry, could make for an interesting plot. In fact, some fans believe that the sequel could even explore Andrea’s life years after working for Miranda Priestly. Perhaps she’d become a prominent figure in her own right—taking on the role of editor-in-chief of a major magazine or perhaps running her own fashion-related business.
Others have suggested that the sequel could follow a completely different storyline, focusing more on the continued rivalry between Miranda Priestly and other fashion moguls, or expanding on the lives of other characters, such as Emily (played by Emily Blunt), who has since gone on to become a big name in her own career.
But while these ideas have captivated fans, there has yet to be any formal announcement regarding the production of a Devil Wears Prada sequel. So, where does Anne Hathaway stand on the matter?
Anne Hathaway’s Thoughts on a Devil Wears Prada Sequel
Anne Hathaway has been very open about the impact that The Devil Wears Prada had on her career. In several interviews, she’s expressed immense gratitude for the role of Andrea, and how the film helped launch her career into the spotlight. However, when it comes to the idea of a sequel, Hathaway has been somewhat cautious.
In an interview with ET Canada back in 2019, Hathaway acknowledged the film’s lasting legacy but also pointed out the difficulty of recreating the magic of the original. She said, “We all loved making that movie, and it was such a fantastic experience. But you have to be really careful with sequels because they can never live up to the first one. It’s a little bit of a delicate situation.”
Her words reveal a certain hesitation when it comes to the idea of revisiting Andrea Sachs. Hathaway’s comments reflect a common sentiment in Hollywood: sequels are often a double-edged sword. While they provide an opportunity to revisit beloved characters and expand on their stories, they also face high expectations and can risk diminishing the original film’s impact.
However, Hathaway has not entirely ruled out the possibility of returning to The Devil Wears Prada. In a 2021 interview with The New York Times, she said, “I don’t know, we’ll see. It’s something I think about sometimes. But, who knows?”
This statement leaves room for the possibility that Hathaway could consider reprising her role in the future. Given the right story and approach, she might feel that a sequel could be worth exploring, especially if the project respected the legacy of the first film.
The Changing Landscape of Hollywood
To understand the likelihood of Hathaway returning for a Devil Wears Prada sequel, it’s also important to consider the broader changes in the entertainment industry.
In recent years, Hollywood has seen a resurgence of nostalgic films and franchises. With the rise of reboots, remakes, and sequels, it seems that no beloved film or franchise is truly off the table. Films like The Matrix Resurrections (2021), Zoolander 2 (2016), and even Dumb and Dumber To (2014) have demonstrated that the appetite for revisiting iconic films is still strong. This trend, fueled by both audience demand and the success of familiar intellectual properties, could make the return of The Devil Wears Prada a viable option.
Furthermore, the success of fashion-based TV shows and movies, like The Bold Type and Halston, suggests that there is still a strong market for content centered around the fashion world. With the industry’s renewed focus on style, glamour, and powerful women, a Devil Wears Prada sequel could tap into that growing interest.
Moreover, Anne Hathaway has consistently demonstrated her versatility as an actress, successfully taking on a variety of roles in both big-budget blockbusters and smaller indie films. Given her popularity and the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, which often revives older franchises, it’s possible that Hathaway could be approached with a new script that reintroduces Andrea Sachs to the audience, potentially in a modern context.
What Would the Sequel Look Like?
If Anne Hathaway were to return for a Devil Wears Prada sequel, what could the storyline look like? The possibilities are endless, but here are a few ideas:
1. Andrea’s Career Evolution
A natural progression would be to explore where Andrea is in her career. Perhaps she’s become a major force in the fashion world, taking on a powerful role that mirrors Miranda Priestly’s. The story could delve into the challenges she faces while balancing her personal life and her career. It could also touch on how she has changed since the first film—becoming a more confident and assertive woman, but still dealing with the pressures of a high-stakes job.
2. Miranda Priestly’s Return
Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Miranda Priestly is unforgettable. If there were a sequel, it would be hard to imagine it without her iconic presence. Perhaps Miranda is faced with new challenges in her career, such as competition from younger, more aggressive fashion moguls or dealing with the changing dynamics of the fashion industry. Andrea could return to Runway as Miranda’s rival or ally, creating new drama and conflict.
3. Emily and the Rest of the Crew
Emily (played by Emily Blunt) has gone on to become one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation. It would be interesting to see how Emily’s character has evolved since the events of the first film. Perhaps she is now a high-powered fashionista in her own right, or maybe she’s taken a completely different path. Exploring her relationship with Andrea would provide an interesting dynamic in the sequel.
4. A New Generation of Fashion
The fashion world has changed significantly since the release of The Devil Wears Prada, with the rise of social media, sustainability, and a more inclusive approach to fashion. A sequel could explore how Andrea navigates these shifts in the industry while dealing with the pressure to stay relevant. The film could introduce new characters who represent this changing landscape, with Andrea trying to mentor the next generation of fashion professionals.
Conclusion
The question of whether Anne Hathaway will return for a Devil Wears Prada sequel is one that continues to spark debate among fans and film enthusiasts. While Hathaway has expressed hesitation, she has also left the door open to the possibility, which gives fans hope. The fashion industry, Hollywood trends, and Hathaway’s own career trajectory all suggest that a return to the world of Runway could be an exciting and timely prospect.
Ultimately, a Devil Wears Prada sequel would need to strike a delicate balance between honoring the original film’s legacy and offering something fresh and new. If Hathaway and the rest of the cast were to return, the right story could create a sequel that both pays tribute to the original and introduces a new generation of fans to the world of high fashion.
For now, it seems that fans will have to continue waiting and hoping that one day, Andrea Sachs will once again don a pair of heels and navigate the glamorous, cutthroat world of Runway—this time, as a true fashion force.
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