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Devil Wears Prada 2 has already become one of the biggest box office success stories of the year. It has earned more than $440 million globally in less than two weeks after its theatrical debut.

The long-awaited sequel to the beloved 2006 fashion comedy has not only surpassed expectations with audiences, but it has also outgrossed the original film’s entire worldwide run, cementing its place as a major Hollywood hit.

The sequel, which reunites iconic stars Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt, has reignited fan enthusiasm for the glamorous and cutthroat world of fashion publishing first introduced in the original film based on Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling novel.

Devil Wears Prada 2 Quickly Surpasses Original Film

The original The Devil Wears Prada became a surprise smash when it debuted nearly 20 years ago, ultimately grossing around $326 million worldwide. At the time, the film became a pop culture phenomenon thanks to its memorable performances, stylish fashion moments, and sharp dialogue.

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Now, The Devil Wears Prada 2 has blown past that total in record time. More than $150 million of its current earnings have come from theaters in the United States and Canada alone, while international audiences have also embraced the sequel.

Industry analysts note that nostalgia-driven sequels have become increasingly profitable for studios, especially when original cast members return.

The success of “Devil Wears Prada 2” appears to prove that audiences still have a strong appetite for legacy franchises with recognizable stars and established fan bases.

For more on the original film and franchise history, fans can visit 20th Century Studios and IMDb’s The Devil Wears Prada page.

Meryl Streep Reportedly Led Salary Negotiations

According to reports from Variety, the film’s three leading actresses each received a staggering $12.5 million salary to reprise their roles.

The report claims that Meryl Streep, widely viewed as the sequel’s most valuable returning star, negotiated a “favored nations” agreement that ensured Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt would receive equal pay.

The arrangement reportedly included lucrative backend bonuses tied to box office performance. Because the sequel has dramatically exceeded expectations, those payouts could reportedly climb as high as $20 million per actress.

The production budget for the sequel is estimated to exceed $100 million before marketing expenses. However, with worldwide grosses already soaring past $440 million, the film has comfortably recouped its costs and moved deep into profitability.

Streep First Turned Down Role in Devil Wears Prada 2

During an interview on TODAY with Jenna Bush Hager, Meryl Streep admitted she initially rejected the sequel despite enjoying the screenplay.

“I read the script. Script was great. And they called me up and they made an offer, and I said, ‘No, not going to do it,’” Streep explained.

The Oscar-winning actress said she believed her value warranted a higher salary and decided to push for a better offer.

“I knew it was going to be a hit, and I wanted to see if I doubled my ask,” she said. “And they went right away and said sure.”

Her comments sparked widespread discussion across Hollywood about pay equity, especially for veteran actresses in blockbuster franchises.

Devil Wears Prada 2 Comparisons to “Barbie” 

The pay structure for “Devil Wears Prada 2” has drawn comparisons to Barbie, the 2023 blockbuster starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

Reports surrounding “Barbie” indicated that Robbie and Gosling each earned approximately $12.5 million upfront for their performances, with Robbie ultimately making far more through backend profit participation due to her role as a producer through LuckyChap Entertainment.

“Barbie” went on to gross nearly $1.5 billion worldwide and became the highest-grossing film of 2023. The movie also earned critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations.

Fans interested in the success of “Barbie” can explore more through Warner Bros. Pictures and Academy Awards.

Nostalgia and Star Power Drive Hollywood

The explosive success of “Devil Wears Prada 2” highlights Hollywood’s continued reliance on established franchises, recognizable intellectual property, and beloved stars to attract audiences to theaters.

The return of Miranda Priestly, Andy Sachs, and Emily Charlton has resonated strongly with longtime fans while introducing a new generation to the franchise. Fashion-centered marketing campaigns, viral social media clips, and strong word-of-mouth have also contributed to the film’s rapid success.

With box office momentum continuing to build, industry observers believe the sequel could eventually approach the billion-dollar milestone if international demand remains strong over the coming weeks.