Full Breakdown
The Villain Debate in *The Devil Wears Prada 2*
5/6/2026, 2:08:26 AM
Background & Context
The sequel premiered on May 1, 2026, twenty years after the original film. The first movie generated ongoing discussion about the “real villain” – whether it was Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) or Andy Sachs’s (Anne Hathaway) boyfriend Nate. The sequel adds new characters and revives the debate over which figure functions as the antagonist.
Key Figures & Groups
- Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) – editor-in-chief of Runway.
- Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) – features editor returning to Runway.
- Emily (Emily Blunt) – former editor now in retail.
- Jay Ravitz (B.J. Novak) – tech consultant leading staff reductions.
- Benji Barnes (Justin Theroux) – billionaire tech investor.
- Peter (Patrick Brammall) – Andy’s heterosexual boyfriend.
- Supporting: Nigel (Stanley Tucci), Sasha Barnes (Lucy Liu), among others.
Data & Statistics
- Rotten Tomatoes critic approval: 78 % (Certified Fresh).
- Audience approval: 87 %.
- Worldwide box-office gross: $233.7 million; domestic: $76.7 million; production budget: $100 million.
Official Statements & Responses
Danette Chavez of A.V. Club says the sequel moves from nuanced villainy to a clearer black-and-white view, casting Miranda as ultimately correct. Jacob Oller argues the antagonist stems from Andy’s romantic choices. Drew Gillis points out that billionaire Benji Barnes is portrayed as a rescuer whose actions threaten Miranda’s authority. The Independent editorial likens Peter’s role to an unwelcome addition, comparing him to a tofu burger at a hog roast.
Criticism & Opposition
Some A.V. Club contributors argue Emily is cast as the villain for aspiring to Miranda’s role, despite a lack of skill exposition. Saloni Gajjar suggests the real antagonist is the under-utilized character Amari, highlighting broader industry neglect. The Independent criticizes the inclusion of Peter as a retrograde romantic trope, arguing it undermines the film’s focus. Others identify Jay Ravitz and his consultants as primary antagonists, citing their cost-cutting agenda.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the primary villain: Miranda (Chavez), Emily (Oller), Jay Ravitz (Gillis), or Peter (The Independent). No consensus is presented, and the film does not explicitly label any character as the villain, leaving interpretation to viewers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Danette Chavez: One of the best tricks the first Devil Wears Prada film pulled was to eschew straightforward hero and villain characterization: Andy doesn’t defeat Miranda or outmaneuver her, she just decides she doesn’t want to try to succeed in the cutthroat fashion magazine industry.” — Danette Chavez, A.V. Club
- “In this way, the sequel mirrors the original: The villain is Andy’s taste in men.” — Jacob Oller, A.V. Club
- “It’s not just because of the money-making goals they share, but because there’s no real attempt to find ways to support Runway and its writers/editors/employees.” — Drew Gillis, A.V. Club
- “The heterosexual male is about as welcome in the world of The Devil Wears Prada as a tofu burger at a hog roast.” — The Independent editorial
Why It Matters
The debate over the film’s antagonist highlights ongoing concerns about media consolidation, the influence of tech billionaires on legacy print, and gendered power dynamics within workplace storytelling.
What’s Next
Social-media commentary continues to dissect character motivations, and industry analysts are watching whether the sequel’s portrayal of cost-cutting consultants influences public perception of real-world media restructuring.
