A New Era for Runway: Anne Hathaway Demands Inclusivity in Devil Wears Prada Sequel
The fashion world, as depicted in The Devil Wears Prada, is no stranger to extreme standards. While Anne Hathaway’s character, Andy Sachs, famously boasted about her US size 4 figure in the original film, the upcoming sequel is poised to champion a far more inclusive vision. Filming is in full swing for the highly anticipated follow-up, set to hit screens in the summer, and it’s clear that the landscape of high fashion – and the film industry’s portrayal of it – has evolved significantly.
This time around, Hathaway is taking a prominent stance against the use of excessively thin models on screen.
Both Hathaway and Meryl Streep, reprising her iconic role as the formidable Miranda Priestly – a character loosely inspired by former Vogue editor Anna Wintour – were recently in Milan for fashion week, where they captured scenes for the new film. During their time there, both actresses were reportedly taken aback by the alarmingly slender physiques of many of the models they encountered.
Streep herself shared her observations with Harper’s Bazaar, stating, “I was struck by how not only beautiful and young – everyone seems young to me – but alarmingly thin the models were… I thought that had all been addressed years ago.”
She further elaborated that Hathaway also noticed the prevailing thinness and immediately approached the producers. Hathaway’s proactive engagement secured assurances that the models featured in the film’s upcoming production would not be depicted as “skeletal.” Streep lauded Hathaway’s actions, commending her as “a stand-up girl.”
The sequel finds Andy Sachs returning to the hallowed halls of Runway, this time stepping into the role of Features Editor. While the original film offered a tantalising, albeit perhaps unattainable, glimpse into the cutthroat world of fashion media, the sequel aims to reflect the vastly different media environment of 2026.
Director David Frankel explained the thematic shift, noting, “Andy has had a career in journalism that mirrors a lot of people’s experiences in journalism these days.” He added that the film is essentially “a movie about a woman in her 40s… [that’s] about how you make peace with the world as you find it, not the world that you wish existed.” This suggests a more mature, nuanced exploration of career, identity, and the ever-evolving demands of the modern media landscape.
The push for greater representation and a more realistic portrayal of beauty standards is a significant departure from the original film’s era. By actively addressing the issue of model inclusivity, The Devil Wears Prada 2 appears set to not only entertain but also to make a timely statement about the values and realities of the contemporary fashion and media industries. The return of Miranda Priestly, with her unparalleled authority and sharp wit, promises to be as captivating as ever, but this time, she’ll be navigating a world – and a Runway – that demands a broader definition of success and style.
The anticipation for the sequel is palpable, with fans eager to see how Andy has navigated her career and how Miranda will adapt to the changing tides. The focus on a more grounded and inclusive narrative suggests that this installment will resonate with a new generation of viewers, while still delivering the sharp dialogue and dramatic flair that made the original a beloved classic. The decision to address the issue of model thinness head-on is a testament to the film’s commitment to evolving with the times and reflecting a more responsible and diverse vision of the fashion world.
