Why Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci Agreed to Return for ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’

Nearly two decades after their memorable time at Runway magazine, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci are back in action. ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ reunites Blunt and Tucci with Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, all reprising their iconic roles in this highly anticipated sequel directed once again by David Frankel. The cast is now sharing what ultimately persuaded them to come back.

In a conversation with Jenna Bush Hager for TODAY, Tucci expressed that audiences have never lost their affection for the original film. He remarked, “I think people are hungry for it. Arguably, it has become a classic film. It endures, and people seem to have not been able to get enough of us. So here we are.” His insight seems spot on, especially given the positive buzz surrounding the sequel.

For Blunt, the decision to return was profoundly personal. She described the experience of stepping back into her role as “touching and moving and weird,” noting that the original film “certainly changed my life in a huge way” and that she retains vivid sensory memories from that time.

Despite these sentiments, Streep and Hathaway were reportedly more challenging to convince. Streep initially showed little interest in a sequel, while Hathaway indicated she would only return under the right conditions. Coordinating all four actors clearly required some effort.

In a joint interview with Entertainment Weekly, Blunt candidly discussed her character Emily Charlton’s journey in the sequel, describing her as someone “willing to claw over someone’s back to steal anything” and emphasizing that she views the character as more desperate than cruel. Emily has moved on from Runway and now serves as a senior executive at a luxury fashion house, putting her in direct competition with Miranda and the struggling magazine.

Tucci elaborated that Nigel’s decisions in the film stem from genuine loyalty and admiration, portraying him as someone who has quietly observed Andy’s career and recognizes that Runway is “on quicksand” and in need of assistance. The emotional depth both actors bring to their roles is a significant factor in why the sequel feels more substantial than just a nostalgia trip.

Additionally, there’s a personal connection at play. Tucci married Emily Blunt’s older sister Felicity in 2012, having met her at the premiere of the original film, which adds an extra layer of warmth to their reunion. During promotional appearances, the duo has embraced this dynamic with humor, playfully acknowledging the intertwined nature of their personal and professional lives.

‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ began principal photography in June 2025, filming across Manhattan and Milan before hitting theaters on May 1, 2026. With the core four now open to the idea of a potential third installment, provided the script is worthy, Blunt has emphasized that any future project would need all of them involved, referring to them as “the core four.”

Let us know in the comments whether you think the original cast made the right decision in returning for this sequel.