Drooid Logo
Back to story perspectives

Full Breakdown

Adrian Grenier Addresses Exclusion from The Devil Wears Prada 2

3/15/2026, 12:27:13 PM

Exclusion from the Sequel

Adrian Grenier, who portrayed Nate Cooper in the original 2006 film *The Devil Wears Prada*, expressed disappointment over not being invited to reprise his role in the upcoming sequel, *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, set to release on May 1, 2026. In interviews, Grenier suggested that the backlash against his character, often viewed as unsupportive and selfish, may have influenced the decision to exclude him from the new film. He stated, “Obviously, it was a disappointment that I didn’t get the call to be in the sequel, but I also understand there’s some backlash with Nate, the character, so that might have something to do with it.”

Background on Nate Cooper's Character

Nate Cooper, Andy Sachs' boyfriend in the original film, has been a polarizing figure among audiences. Many viewers criticized him for not fully supporting Andy as she navigated the demanding world of fashion journalism under Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep. Grenier acknowledged that he initially did not grasp the nuances of Nate's character until public discourse and social media commentary highlighted his flaws. Reflecting on this, he remarked, “I didn’t see some of the subtleties and the nuance of this character... until the wisdom of the masses came online and started to push against the character.”

Official Statements & Responses

Despite his disappointment, Grenier maintained a positive outlook regarding the sequel and expressed excitement for the returning cast members, including Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci. He humorously suggested that the exclusion leaves room for a potential spinoff focused on Nate, stating, “Either way, it leaves room for a beautiful spinoff in which Nate has his own film.” He also noted, “I would be bitter if I wasn’t so absolutely thrilled for Anne and the crew.”

Criticism & Opposition

The backlash against Nate Cooper has been significant, with many fans labeling him as the film's "real villain." Critics argue that his character's lack of support for Andy's career ambitions detracted from her journey in the film. Grenier acknowledged this criticism, stating, “In many ways, he’s very selfish and self-involved; it was all about him. He wasn’t extending himself to support Andy in her career.” This evolving perception of Nate has sparked discussions about character development and the complexities of relationships in the film.

What's Next

*The Devil Wears Prada 2* is anticipated to explore the ongoing dynamics between Andy and Miranda Priestly as they navigate the changing landscape of the fashion industry. While Grenier's character will not be part of this narrative, his reflections on Nate's role highlight the lasting impact of character interpretation over time. As the sequel approaches its release, the conversation surrounding Nate Cooper continues to resonate within the film's fan community.