Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway Address Evolving Fashion Standards in Upcoming Sequel

The cinematic world is buzzing with the news that 20th Century Studios has officially slated the release of the long-awaited sequel, "The Devil Wears Prada 2," for May 1, 2026. This follow-up to the 2006 classic is not merely a nostalgic return but a sharp critique of the contemporary fashion landscape. As the production moves forward, it brings back the powerhouse talent that made the original a cultural phenomenon, while simultaneously addressing the modern evolution of industry standards and the challenges of a digital-first era.

Meryl Streep, once again stepping into the impeccably polished shoes of Miranda Priestly, recently shared her experiences from the set during Milan Fashion Week. Filming took place amidst the real-world glamour of the Italian fashion capital, where Streep was joined by Stanley Tucci, reprising his role as the indispensable Nigel. A significant portion of the filming occurred during the prestigious Dolce & Gabbana Spring-Summer 2026 show, integrating the authentic energy of the runway into the film’s storyline.

The plot of the sequel finds Miranda Priestly at a professional crossroads, grappling with the harsh realities of a fading print industry. As traditional magazines struggle to remain relevant against the tide of digital media, Priestly must fight to maintain her influence. However, it was the real-life environment of the Milanese runways that sparked a serious conversation among the cast. Streep admitted to being startled by the visible presence of extremely thin models, viewing it as a step backward for an industry that had supposedly moved toward body positivity.

Reflecting on the experience, Streep noted that the physical appearance of many models at the Milan show indicated a regression in the progress she thought had been made over the last decade. She had believed that the conversation regarding healthy body representation was largely settled, only to find that the "size zero" aesthetic still holds a firm grip on high-fashion stages. This realization prompted a swift and decisive reaction from her colleague, Anne Hathaway, who returns as the evolved Andy Sachs.

According to Streep, Hathaway did not hesitate to voice her concerns to the film's production team. She advocated for a more responsible approach to casting the models who would appear in the movie's background and runway scenes. Hathaway successfully lobbied the producers to ensure that the film would not perpetuate the standard of extreme thinness she witnessed in Milan. This intervention was described by Streep as a testament to Hathaway’s integrity and her commitment to fostering a healthier image of the fashion world on screen.

This shift in production philosophy marks a pivotal moment for Hollywood’s relationship with the fashion industry. By choosing to showcase a more inclusive range of body types, "The Devil Wears Prada 2" seeks to reflect a more diverse and realistic version of the modern fashion world. Streep’s praise for Hathaway’s initiative highlights a growing trend among major stars to use their influence to demand better representation, potentially setting a new benchmark for how major motion pictures depict beauty and professional modeling in the future.