Full Breakdown
Anne Hathaway Refutes Model-Firing Rumors Over Body-Inclusivity Push in “The Devil Wears Prada 2”
4/29/2026, 4:24:17 AM
Background & Context
The 2006 original featured ultra-thin runway models. By 2026, the fashion industry has taken a more inclusive approach to beauty standards, prompting studios to reflect that shift. The sequel, opening May 1, includes a runway sequence set to a Lady Gaga song that showcases a range of body types.
Key Figures & Groups
Anne Hathaway – returning as Andy Sachs, raised casting issue after seeing “traditionally sized” models.
Meryl Streep – as Miranda Priestly, noted thinness and praised Hathaway’s advocacy.
Producers – team who added size-inclusive models within two hours.
Lady Gaga – songwriter whose track anchors runway moment.
Timeline of Events
March 2026: Streep told *Harper’s Bazaar* the models were “alarmingly thin.”
April 20, 2026: New York premiere; Hathaway highlighted the scene’s inclusive aim.
April 27, 2026: Hathaway on *Good Morning America* denied any firings, calling the change a “quick thing.”
May 1, 2026: Film releases nationwide.
Official Statements & Responses
Hathaway said no model lost a job; producers added talent, creating, not cutting, positions. She tied the decision to fashion’s broader representation shift and praised the Lady Gaga song as “beautiful, amazing,” while refusing scene details. Streep confirmed Hathaway’s “beeline” to producers and the promise of a less skeletal lineup.
Criticism & Opposition
Social-media users claimed the inclusivity push led to model dismissals, framing it as a firing scandal. Several outlets amplified the narrative. Hathaway labeled the claims “misinformation” and reiterated that no jobs were lost.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources do not disclose how many models were added or which, if any, were replaced. The runway scene’s content remains undisclosed, and producers have not released details of the casting changes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I do want to mention there’s a little misinformation getting out there right now that people were fired because of the size inclusivity and that just didn’t happen,” — Anne Hathaway, Actress
- “Nobody lost their jobs, in fact, it created more jobs… It’s so hard because I can’t say what the scene is about, but there’s a song that Lady Gaga wrote and it’s a beautiful, amazing song. Isn’t it better when you see so many different types of bodies up there with that?” — Anne Hathaway
- “struck by how not only beautiful and young—everyone seems young to me—but alarmingly thin the models were. …” — Meryl Streep
Why It Matters
The episode highlights ongoing debates about body representation and shows how a star’s advocacy can affect casting. Hathaway’s correction adds to broader discussions on inclusivity in film and fashion, influencing conversations about hiring standards.
What’s Next
The film opens May 1, after which industry observers expect further dialogue on beauty standards and casting diversity, and will monitor audience reactions to the inclusive runway scene for potential impact on studio and fashion decisions.
