Justice For Key Character Needed for The Devil Wears Prada 2 After Meryl Streep & Anne Hathaway

The Devil Wears Prada is set to join the ranks of much-anticipated sequels, and while it relies heavily on the return of its leading ladies, it also crucially needs to bring back another beloved character who merits a proper narrative resolution. The original film, directed by David Frankel, was adapted from Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel of the same name and premiered in 2006. Featuring powerhouse performances from Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt, the film garnered both critical acclaim and box office success, establishing itself as a cultural touchstone in the realm of fashion cinema.

The storyline centers around Andrea Sachs (Hathaway), an aspiring journalist who, despite her inexperience, lands a role as a personal assistant to the daunting Miranda Priestly (Streep). As the editor-in-chief of Runway magazine, Miranda epitomizes the cutthroat nature of the fashion industry. The narrative unfolds with Andy grappling not only with her demanding role but also with the intense pressures of the fashion world. Fast forward nearly twenty years, and a sequel is currently in development, yet there’s a pressing need for one key character to be revisited.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 Needs Stanley Tucci’s Nigel Alongside Hathaway & Streep

Nigel: A Central Figure in The Devil Wears Prada

Alongside Miranda, Andy, and Emily (portrayed by Emily Blunt) at Runway magazine is the character Nigel, brought to life by Stanley Tucci. Nigel, as the art director, works intimately with Miranda, establishing a strong rapport. He serves as a mediator for Andy, facilitating her transition in the fashion realm while providing invaluable guidance on style transformation for her role. Even as a supporting character, Nigel has become an iconic and indispensable element of The Devil Wears Prada.

In July 2024, news emerged that a sequel would enter early development, with David Frankel in negotiations to reprise his directorial role. Currently, there is no official confirmation regarding the return of Streep and Hathaway, although reports suggest that Streep and Blunt are likely to reprise their roles. On the potential return of Tucci’s Nigel, he indicated to Variety in January 2025 that he would be willing to return but could not provide any specifics at present.

It’s widely acknowledged that Nigel played an instrumental role in shaping Runway’s legacy alongside Miranda. If any supporting character from the original film is due for a comeback, it is undoubtedly Tucci’s Nigel. His character embodies empathy and encouragement in a paradoxically harsh world defined by ambition and betrayal, and Andy’s trajectory in her fashion career might not have been possible without his influence. If the sequel delves into Miranda’s quest to rejuvenate her struggling magazine, Nigel becomes essential to that narrative.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 Must Provide Justice for Nigel Following Miranda’s Betrayal

Miranda’s Betrayal of Nigel: A Significant Low Point

Nigel’s role is not only pivotal; he deserves vindication following Miranda’s betrayal detailed in the first film. While attending Paris Fashion Week, Nigel discloses to Andy about his new role as creative director under designer James Holt. Shortly after, Andy learns from writer Christian Thompson (Simon Baker) that Jacqueline Follet from French Runway is poised to take over Miranda’s position as editor. Concerned for Miranda’s well-being, particularly as she grapples with a divorce, Andy attempts to warn her, only to be dismissed.

In a shocking turn of events, Miranda reveals at a luncheon that Follet has indeed been selected as Holt’s new creative director, showcasing her prior awareness of the scheme to replace her. To safeguard her own position, Miranda sacrifices Nigel, effectively leading to his departure from Runway. The film leaves Nigel’s future ambiguous, failing to clarify whether he maintains any connection with Miranda after the betrayal. Therefore, it is imperative that the sequel addresses Nigel’s narrative arc and grants him the resolution he deserves.

With Miranda now facing career decline and striving to restore her magazine’s former glory—hinting at her reaching out to Emily instead of Andy—The Devil Wears Prada 2 offers a compelling opportunity to explore Nigel’s success amid Miranda’s downfall. Whether he opts to aid Miranda remains uncertain, yet his character is entitled to a fulfilling journey, one that rectifies the misdeeds of the past.

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