Adrian Grenier’s Nate Skipped from “The Devil Wears Prada 2” Amid Scheduling Constraints and Fan Backlash

Director David Frankel confirmed that a planned cameo for Adrian Grenier, who played Nate in the 2006 original, was abandoned. He explained that the idea to “sneak” Grenier into the sequel could not be realized because “it was just too late in our production schedule to make it happen.” Principal photography for “The Devil Wears Prada 2” wrapped less than a month before its May 1, 2026 release, leaving insufficient time to add new scenes or secure additional talent.

Hollywood Reporter

Frankel told *Entertainment Weekly* that the cameo plan fell through due to timing, and he praised Grenier’s recent Starbucks commercial as “really funny and so self-effacing.” Grenier told *Page Six* that missing the call to appear was “a disappointment,” adding that “there was some backlash with Nate, the character, so that might have something to do with it.” He also noted that everyone is a fan of the movie, regardless of whether they appear in it.

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Since the original film, social-media commentary has highlighted Nate’s perceived selfishness in his relationship with Andy, contributing to a broader negative perception that Grenier cited when discussing the sequel’s casting decisions.

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• “I had an idea about sneaking him into a cameo, and in the end, it was just too late in our production schedule to make it happen,” — David Frankel, Director

Hollywood Reporter

• “I’m thrilled that he [Grenier] did a Starbucks commercial, which was really funny and so self-effacing. I love the humility and the comedy of it!” — David Frankel, Director

Deadline Hollywood

• “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. But I think that just leaves room for a spinoff.” — Adrian Grenier, Actor

Deadline Hollywood

• “You might have seen the headlines — I wasn’t asked to be part of a certain sequel. But I’m good. Really. It’s all good energy,” — Adrian Grenier, Actor

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Nate’s absence refocuses the sequel on Andy’s return to Runway Magazine and the publication’s struggle with a changing media landscape. Grenier’s comments suggest openness to a potential spinoff. The film proceeds with its original ensemble, aiming to attract both returning audiences and new viewers. The cast includes Hathaway, Streep, Blunt, and Tucci, reprising their roles as Andy, Miranda, Emily, and Nigel, respectively.

Deadline Hollywood

“The Devil Wears Prada 2” opens nationwide on May 1, 2026. Promotional tours feature the returning cast, while Grenier’s cameo remains absent.

Hollywood Reporter