Prada’s next chapter: a behind-the-scenes look at the sequel’s shifting landscape
The fashion world is bracing for the arrival of The Devil Wears Prada 2, but the upcoming film isn’t a simple redux of the original. Instead, screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna reveals a reimagining shaped by a rapidly evolving industry – a radical departure from the glossy, aspirational world of the first installment.
A radical rewrite: departing from the original vision
When McKenna first encountered Lauren Weisberger’s novel, she was immediately captivated. “I saw the cover and I was like, ‘I want that,’” she confessed. “The idea of stepping into a workplace for the first time, facing those personal and professional challenges – it’s something I’ve always been interested in.” However, the path to the screen wasn’t straightforward. Fox 2000 had already optioned the book, and several writers had attempted adaptation before Frankel enlisted McKenna’s expertise.
“David Frankel wanted someone who understood the original’s DNA, but also someone who could inject a fresh perspective,” McKenna explained. “We wanted to avoid the campiness that sometimes creeps in, particularly in workplaces dominated by women. It was crucial to show the serious business behind the facade – the complex machinery of fashion, the artistry and commerce intertwined.”
Beyond andy’s dilemma: exploring character depth
Unlike the book, which delved into Lily’s dramatic downfall, the film focuses squarely on Andy’s internal struggle. McKenna emphasizes the importance of understanding Andy’s motivations, specifically her desire to move beyond Runway and her growing awareness of her values. “It’s about figuring out what’s important to you—a very fine line between feeling disaffected and recognizing that the job doesn’t align with your principles,” she stated. The film’s final scene in the car, a key moment in the book, became a focal point, reflecting Andy’s feeling of being dragged away from her own aspirations.
“The Devil Wears Prada is called The Devil Wears Prada, not The Not-So-Nice Lady Wears Prada,” McKenna asserts. “It’s a story about being pulled away from what you want, and how easy it is to lose sight of yourself. Andy’s journey is about finding her own value system, a shift away from the expectations she initially had.”
A new era for fashion
The decision to revisit the story almost two decades later wasn’t rooted in a desire for a sequel, but rather in recognizing a profound shift within the industry. “Publishing, fashion, and journalism – these industries have been utterly upended,” McKenna observed. “It felt like stepping into a completely different workplace.” This reimagining offers a nuanced portrayal of a world grappling with disruption, proving that even the most iconic stories require a critical eye and a willingness to evolve.