The Devil Wears Prada 2 opened in U.S. theaters the weekend of May 5, 2026, earning $150 million [5] in its first weekend [5].

The film's release marks a significant test for Disney, which views the project as a template for future franchise sequels [6]. By reuniting original stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, the studio aimed to capitalize on the legacy of the first film.

The sequel arrives 20 years after the original 2006 release [2]. Critical reception has been generally positive, with some metrics suggesting it has outperformed the first movie. Paul Tassi of Forbes said the film holds a 78% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes [3], surpassing the original's 71% [3]. Other reports place the fresh rating as high as 85% [3]. On IMDb, user ratings stand at 7.2/10 [4].

Alissa Wilkinson of The New York Times said the film manages to capture the sharp wit of the original while updating its style for a new generation [1]. The production focused on maintaining the satirical edge of the fashion industry while modernizing the narrative for 2026 audiences.

Cast members expressed enthusiasm for the return to these roles. Stanley Tucci said, "I love playing Nigel again; it feels like slipping back into a beloved character" [1].

The film's success is attributed to its ability to balance nostalgia with updated commentary on the industry. Disney intends to use the high box-office returns and critical scores to inform how it handles other legacy properties in the coming years [6].

“The Devil Wears Prada 2 manages to capture the sharp wit of the original while updating its style for a new generation.”

The strong opening weekend and higher critical aggregates compared to the original suggest a rare instance where a long-delayed sequel successfully modernizes its premise. For Disney, this validates a strategy of reviving dormant intellectual property through 'legacy sequels' that prioritize original cast chemistry over simple rebooting.