Two decades after its original release, The Devil Wears Prada returns to cinemas with a sequel that has achieved a strong global debut. The Devil Wears Prada 2 recorded $233.6 million worldwide in its opening weekend, according to studio estimates.
The film generated $77 million in the United States and Canada and an additional $156.6 million across international markets, placing it at the top of the North American box office.
Box office performance
The sequel, produced by 20th Century Studios in collaboration with Disney, surpassed Michael, which moved to second place after earning $54 million in its second weekend in North America. The biographical film’s global total has reached $423.9 million.
For Meryl Streep, who reprises her role as Miranda Priestly, the opening marks the highest-grossing debut weekend of her career, exceeding previous releases including Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again. The film also represents one of the strongest international openings for Emily Blunt.
Audience response
Audience data indicates strong engagement, particularly among female viewers. According to PostTrak, women accounted for approximately 76% of the audience in North America, while 74% of viewers said they would recommend the film.
The sequel builds on the success of the original 2006 film, which earned $326 million globally during its theatrical run. Within its first three days, the new release has already reached around 72% of that total.
Production and promotion
The cast, including Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, participated in an international promotional tour with events in Tokyo, London and New York.
Anna Wintour, widely associated with the inspiration for the character of Miranda Priestly, also took part in promotional appearances, including a joint appearance with Hathaway at the Academy Awards and a feature in Vogue alongside Streep.
Industry context
The film’s release coincides with the start of the summer cinema season, a period typically dominated by action and franchise productions. This year, the absence of a major Marvel release at launch created an opening in the market.
The performance of The Devil Wears Prada 2 suggests that films centred on fashion, media and established characters can attract significant audiences when supported by strong brand recognition and targeted promotion.
Sources: Associated Press, Deadline, Variety
