Critics Give 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' Thumbs Up Ahead of May 1 Release

The long-awaited follow-up to the 2006 fashion classic is earning favorable marks from the critical community as it prepares to debut in theaters this weekend.

Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci reprise their roles two decades after their original iconic performances, returning to the glittering world of Runway Magazine on New York's fashionable streets. The ensemble cast is joined by Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, Pauline Chalamet, B.J. Novak, and Conrad Ricamora.

With a 79% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has generated hundreds of reviews from major publications, with critics largely embracing what the sequel offers.

Vulture highlighted Hathaway's performance, noting that she brings considerable depth to her character, hinting at layers beneath the surface. The Boston Globe awarded the film three out of four stars, observing that Miranda gains additional dimension in this installment, which creates a more complex dynamic for viewers. THR described the movie as polished and visually appealing, likening it to a magazine spread, while predicting strong box office performance.

The AV Club gave it a B-, acknowledging that while not every comedic moment lands, the sequel captures what resonated about the original, with characters evolved by time yet still engaging. The Atlantic praised its exploration of modern media dilemmas alongside the glamour that defined the first film.

The Guardian awarded three out of five stars, calling it good-natured and entertaining. Variety noted the cast's strong chemistry and their seamless return to their roles, though suggested that devoted fans may not seek repeat viewings. The UK Times gave it four out of five, commending the interplay between Streep and Hathaway.

USA Today awarded three out of four stars, highlighting a thoughtful examination of contemporary journalism beneath the couture. Rolling Stone took a darker view, suggesting the film functions as a horror story for journalists despite its stylish presentation. The New Yorker observed that while the film traffics in extravagant premises, it executes them with conviction and the right balance of cynicism and optimism.

The movie arrives in theaters May 1.