Multiple
sources are reporting today that Disney is in early development of a
Devil Wears Prada sequel, with Streep reprising her role as Miranda Priestly. Screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna has once again been tapped to write the script, with original David Frankel rumored to be in talks to helm this as well. The news of the film's production came with the following logline for the film's plot:
Miranda’s (Streep) career goes into decline, which forces her to go face to face with Emily (Blunt), now a major exec at a luxury group, whose advertising dollars Miranda desperately needs.
So, we know that Emily Blunt will be reprising her role. No word on Anne Hathway, but it doesn't seem likely that there'd be a role for her. The story of the sequel also does not sound like Laura Weisberger's 2013 follow-up novel, Revenge Wears Prada. Seems like this might be a completely original script.
When I first saw the news for this, I had mixed feelings. I, like many other Streepers, have been impatiently waiting for news of a new lead project for Meryl (or just anything juicy). I'm just not a huge fan of the idea of sequels for Meryl. This likely stems from my desire to see her inhabit new roles, which is of course what makes me a huge fan of hers in the first place--she's always doing new and fresh things.
But thinking a bit on it, I wonder if this might end up being a very shrewd career move for Meryl. While it's certainly possible that the film will turn out to be pure crap, it's hard to imagine it not making a decent amount of money. And if it makes a shit ton of money like the original did, the result (like it was after the original's release), could be an inundation with film offers for Meryl in the aftermath. The options for roles are likely far fewer these days, but if this turns out to be a money-maker, it's a recipe for green-lighting things that otherwise may never have seen the light of day. Maybe Meryl would even contend for some awards.
Considering that the sequel will take place about twenty years after the original, and Miranda is sort of in dire straits, the character may be far enough removed from the more mysterious 2006 version we all know and love. That's a bit closer to a new character than say a sequel that happens one to three years later. Twenty years is a long time, and people can go through plenty of things that markedly alter their beliefs, motivations, and behaviors. It will be exciting to see how Meryl makes this fresh. That's one key spot of opportunity for her to shine.
With the script apparently not even complete, it seems unlikely that filming will get underway anytime sooner than 2025. Which then means we're likely looking at a 2026 release (twenty years exactly after the original). I like tidy timelines like that. It would make it more of an event, and possibly be helpful with the marketing. I'd be surprised if this were not released in the summer. And I really hope they come up with a title more interesting than The Devil Wears Prada 2.
Regardless of what I or anyone else thinks about this news, it's wonderful to have something to look forward to for Meryl's career again! Now what if we also get news that she's going to film something else new this fall?!
