There’s a certain level of pressure that comes with reviving a beloved classic, especially one as iconic as The Devil Wears Prada. So when whispers of a sequel turned into reality with filming already underway, fans were equal parts excited and cautious. The bar is high, and anything less than spectacular could feel like a stain on the original’s legacy. And now, with Sydney Sweeney spotted on set, the internet is in a full-blown frenzy, but not the good kind.
A Glamorous Revival… or a Risky Move?
With The Devil Wears Prada 2 currently filming and targeting a May Day release next year, updates from the set have been flooding timelines. Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and the inimitable Meryl Streep are all returning, and there’s a palpable nostalgia surrounding the film’s production. Add to that a stacked supporting cast including Lucy Liu, BJ Novak, Justin Theroux, and Pauline Chalamet, and things seemed to be shaping up well until Sydney Sweeney made an appearance.
The Euphoria star was recently spotted exiting a production trailer just minutes after Emily Blunt, and while no official announcement has confirmed her role, the circumstantial evidence has fans convinced: Sydney is part of DWP2 in some capacity. Her attempt to stay low-key, face hidden behind an umbrella, and no red-carpet glam only fueled speculation.
Fans React: “Immediately, No.”
You’d expect curiosity at a casting reveal like this. Maybe even cautious optimism. But the reaction online has been overwhelmingly negative. Social media has been ablaze with comments ranging from disappointment to full-on rejection. “This is most definitely not your movie, girl,” one user commented bluntly. Others weren’t as diplomatic: “NOOOOOOOO NOT HER💔,” “Please edit her out!!” and “Not too late to recast” flooded the platforms.
It’s not entirely clear why this casting choice has stirred up such intense backlash. Perhaps it’s the feeling that Sweeney’s image doesn’t align with the Prada universe. Maybe it’s the fear that her involvement signals a shift in tone, more influencer-glam than fashion-journalism grit. Or maybe it’s deeper than that.
Sydney Sweeney’s Image Problem?
Sydney Sweeney has been living through what can only be described as a “main character era,” landing high-profile roles and major endorsement deals. But success hasn’t translated to universal approval. A controversial American Eagle ad campaign, polarizing roles in recent projects, and even her family’s political affiliations have landed her in hot water with some online communities. And like many young women in Hollywood who rise quickly, she’s facing a wave of backlash that feels personal, even when disguised as critique.
It begs the question: is the outrage really about casting choices, or are we witnessing the all-too-familiar pattern of the internet turning on a successful woman the moment she starts “doing too much”?
What Could Her Role Be?
So far, nothing official has confirmed Sweeney’s character, and speculation ranges from cameo to major role. Some fans wonder if she’s playing herself or a social media-savvy intern disrupting the old guard. Others fear she might be stepping into the metaphorical (and very fashionable) shoes of a new-gen Andy Sachs. That’s perhaps the biggest trigger. The Devil Wears Prada is sacred ground for millennials and Gen Xers alike. Any whiff of a replacement for Hathaway’s beloved character was bound to ruffle feathers.
Still, it’s worth noting that not all the backlash is rooted in negativity. Some of it is born out of pure passion for the original film. Fans don’t want a sequel that feels like a reboot. They want a continuation of evolution without dilution. And with Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt) back, expectations are understandably sky-high.
What We Know So Far About the Sequel
Aside from the original trio reprising their roles, the new installment promises to delve into the current landscape of fashion media, where print has taken a back seat to digital dominance. Kenneth Branagh and Patrick Brammall have reportedly joined the cast as love interests for Miranda and Andy, respectively, an intriguing twist for characters who didn’t exactly have love lives front and center in the first film.
With a tentative release date set for May 2026, the countdown has officially begun. And whether you love or loathe the idea of Sydney Sweeney entering the Prada universe, one thing is certain: The Devil Wears Prada 2 isn’t just aiming to make headlines; it already is.