The Devil Wears Prada 2 is generating significant buzz ahead of its May 1 release, with industry analysts projecting a domestic opening weekend of $80-95 million, according to Box Office Pro. The forecast positions the sequel as one of the summer's strongest comedy debuts, nearly tripling the original film's $27.5 million Fourth of July opening in 2006.
The film reunites director David Frankel with stars Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci. The original 2006 film earned $124 million domestically and $323 million worldwide, becoming a surprise hit that has maintained cultural relevance through streaming platforms in the two decades since its release.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators have pointed to Prada 2 as an example of what audiences want versus what Hollywood has been producing. Daily Wire and other conservative outlets have argued that the film represents a return to universal storytelling that doesn't impose ideological messaging. These voices suggest the entertainment industry has struggled with recent releases perceived as prioritizing social commentary over entertainment value.
The right-leaning perspective emphasizes that the original Prada film succeeded without what they describe as forced diversity casting or political lectures. Conservative critics have argued that films like Star Trek: Academy and other recent franchise entries have underperformed because audiences reject content they perceive as didactic. These commentators suggest Prada 2's strong anticipation reflects audience fatigue with politically charged reboots.
What the Left Is Saying
Some progressive critics and entertainment analysts view the enthusiasm around Prada 2 as reflective of audience appetite for films that prioritize storytelling over political messaging. Media Matters and other progressive watchdogs have noted that films perceived as leaning into cultural debates often face criticism from multiple directions. These observers argue that the success of films like Barbie in 2023 demonstrated audiences want inclusive storytelling without heavy-handed lectures, and that Prada 2's marketing suggests it will follow that pattern.
Progressive commentators have also noted that the original film's themes of workplace empowerment and female ambition remain relevant. The character Andy Sachs's journey from fashion-averse assistant to industry insider resonated with young professional women in 2006 and continues to do so today. Some feminist analysts have suggested the sequel could explore contemporary workplace issues including digital transformation and work-life balance in high-pressure industries.
What the Numbers Show
Box Office Pro's $80-95 million prediction places Prada 2 among the highest-grossing comedy openings in recent years. The film's teaser became 2025's most viewed trailer, surpassing promotional material for Sinners, Superman, and A Minecraft Movie. An Fandango poll ranks the film as the third most anticipated summer release, behind Toy Story 5 and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
The original Devil Wears Prada earned $124 million domestically on a $35 million budget, making it significantly profitable. The 2023 film Barbie earned $1.44 billion globally, demonstrating the commercial potential of female-targeted content. Recent studio releases with explicit political messaging have seen mixed results, with some underperforming audience expectations.
The Bottom Line
Prada 2 enters the market with strong positioning: a beloved original, an ensemble cast including Oscar winner Meryl Streep, and timing that capitalizes on summer theatrical season. The 20-year gap between films has allowed the original to develop a dedicated streaming audience while maintaining cultural touchstone status. Industry observers will watch whether the film can meet projections and what its performance reveals about audience preferences in an evolving entertainment landscape. The May 1 release will test whether nostalgia-driven legacy sequels can consistently perform at the box office.