Twenty years after 'The Devil Wears Prada' first opened its doors to the glamorous and cut-throat world of fashion publishing, writer Aline Brosh McKenna is back revisiting the iconic universe. This time around, the sequel serves as a harsh reality check, set in an era shaped by layoffs, collapsing media empires, clickbait headlines, influencers, and algorithms amid an increasingly digital world.
In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, the acclaimed writer opens up about why the sequel ditches couture for chaos as she shines a light on the ever-changing landscape of journalism, fashion, and celebrity culture. While the decades may have changed much, she shared her excitement on reuniting with leading ladies Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt. While the sequel leaves the door tantalisingly open for another chapter, McKenna admits the future of the Prada universe may ultimately depend on one thing Hollywood understands best: box office numbers.
Why Start with Andy Getting Laid Off?
McKenna explained that the inspiration for this movie was to show how things have changed and how challenging the world of journalism has become. All three businesses—journalism, fashion, and publishing—have faced significant challenges. She wanted to convey the feeling that at any minute, things can just disappear. Cultural institutions, newspapers, magazines, TV networks, and businesses can vanish like that, and it is something happening to everyone in many different fields.
Reflecting Modern Anxiety
McKenna noted that the sequel was designed to reflect the anxiety of the modern world. The team wanted to revisit this world because they imagined the challenges these characters would face. It would be interesting to see how Miranda deals in a world where her reputation and the magazine's reputation are not as set in stone as they once were. Everything has changed, and cultural institutions are much more precarious.
Balancing Themes Without Being Preachy
Writing the film was not about documenting the death of a certain era of publishing; it is about the humans. It is a very human story that reflects on what is happening with institutions but is primarily about characters and relationships. The sequel explores their relationships with each other further, especially under duress. The four lead characters all have very different ways of approaching the world, but they face common challenges that bring them together.
Reuniting with the Cast
McKenna described working with Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt as wonderful. They are some of the most professional and talented people, and she feels honored to work with them. They are great collaborators for a writer, respectful, and always willing to discuss the material. The Prada world is one of her favorite places to work.
Power in Fashion and Media Today
Regarding influencers and social media, McKenna believes there is still room for traditional gatekeepers, but influence has spread out. With many voices on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, people look for voices they can trust. Younger people have a broader array of folks they listen to, and it is hard to gain traction when opinion makers shift so much. Designers and others in these fields have had to be more nimble.
Audiences and Honesty in Films
McKenna acknowledged that there are more voices weighing in on movies now, but she has enjoyed the interaction with viewers over the last 20 years. The response to the first movie taught them a lot. She noted that audiences still want big events that bring everyone together, and people are excited to go to the movies, bringing groups of friends or celebrating at the theater. It feels like a celebration of cinema.
Cameos and Casting Choices
As soon as shooting began, people were running down the street chasing the production, indicating immense interest. McKenna had never experienced that before. People were excited to see the actors and these characters again, which gave them a sense of the excitement to catch up with these folks.
Global Resonance
The film plays well internationally, just like the first movie. Fashion is a language that transcends countries, and people respond to the story, characters, and world. It is a very international world, with designers from all over thriving. The sequel includes a more inclusive ensemble, with actors like Simone Ashley, reflecting the diversity of the fashion world.
Future of the Franchise
McKenna said they are taking it one step at a time. Box office numbers help, but many elements need to come together for a third film. As for a digital release, they are not discussing that yet, though the first movie is available digitally, and the sequel will be available digitally in the fall.
