Fashion Forward, Critically Divided: The Devil Wears Prada Sequel Sparks Debate

The Devil Wears Prada 2 has made a global splash at the box office, marking a high-profile return of the iconic fashion-world franchise nearly two decades after the original film.

According to early industry estimates, the film has collected approximately $62-65 million worldwide in its opening phase , with strong contributions from the United States, United Kingdom, India, and select European and Asian markets . The film’s India opening is estimated at around ₹5.5 crore , while North America continues to lead the global earnings, driven by strong nostalgia appeal and premium-format screenings.

The sequel reunites the original cast, including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci , and follows Andy Sachs navigating a transformed media landscape shaped by digital disruption and high-fashion corporate politics.

Critically, the film has received a generally positive but mixed response , with reviewers praising its performances and visual flair while noting that it does not fully recapture the sharpness of the 2006 original. Many critics have described it as a “stylish, crowd-pleasing return” rather than a groundbreaking sequel.

However, the film has also been pulled into online debate. Some social media users accused it of racial stereotyping over a supporting character, sparking controversy ahead of and after release. Members of the creative team have strongly responded, with insiders stating that “people calling The Devil Wears Prada 2 racist haven’t seen the film in context,” calling the criticism premature and based on fragmented clips.

Despite the debate, the film continues to perform steadily across global markets, fueled by nostalgia, star power, and renewed interest in fashion-industry storytelling. The worldwide box office momentum suggests the sequel may continue its strong run in the coming weeks.