Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep, Lady Gaga, Anne Hathaway and Stanley Tucci attend the world premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2 in New York on 20 April. Getty Images for 20th Century Studios
The highly anticipated The Devil Wears Prada 2 is not just making waves for its fashion, humor, and star power—it's also raising the stakes when it comes to the business of Hollywood promotions. From celebrity cameos to lucrative brand partnerships, the sequel is mastering the art of turning fashion and film into gold.
Hollywood Meets High Fashion: Celebrity Cameos
When it comes to The Devil Wears Prada 2, the sequel isn’t just about Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly or Emily Blunt’s Emily; it’s also about the stars who have joined the cast, enhancing its allure. One of the most talked-about cameos comes from none other than Lady Gaga. Streep, who convinced Gaga to appear, shared that the pop superstar took a brief break from her world tour to feature in the film for a cool $2.5 million.Other big names include Donatella Versace, who faced off with Blunt’s character, and Tina Brown, who graced a pivotal lunch scene in the Hamptons. The star-studded roster also includes Kenneth Branagh, Naomi Campbell, Heidi Klum, Marc Jacobs, and Ciara. Fans will also catch a glimpse of Jon Batiste, Jenna Bush Hager, and basketball star Karl-Anthony Towns at the famous lunch party.
Building the Brand: Strategic Partnerships
But the film’s approach to generating revenue doesn’t stop at high-profile cameos. The production has secured some major brand partnerships that infuse a level of luxury and relatability into the sequel. The high-end fashion brand Dior is featured prominently, as Blunt’s character takes the reins of the company in the film. Meanwhile, Diet Coke, Old Navy, Tweezerman, and Google have teamed up with the movie, creating a marketing blend of aspirational and accessible products.Walmart even got in on the action by carrying official Devil Wears Prada 2 merchandise, including a Miranda Priestly doll, throw blankets, and a signature cerulean blue dress—all of which could easily be mistaken for Runway-approved fashion. And don’t forget about the iconic $24 tweezers that make an appearance as part of the clever tie-ins.
Missed Opportunities: The Stars That Never Were
Despite the endless list of star appearances, there were a few notable absences. Hugh Jackman, George Clooney, and Sydney Sweeney were all part of the buzz but never made it to the screen. Sweeney, for instance, filmed a three-minute scene with Blunt, but it was cut for “structural reasons.”The most intriguing absence, however, is Anna Wintour, the real-life muse for Priestly’s character, who decided to steer clear of a cameo. Although Wintour has made cameos in other films like Ocean’s Eight, she didn’t quite feel it was the right moment for a meta moment in Prada 2.
A Record-Breaking Sequel
As the second movie in the Devil Wears Prada franchise takes flight, it’s poised to match or even exceed the box office performance of its predecessor. With a roster of celebrity cameos, strategic brand partnerships, and plenty of drama both on and off-screen, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is shaping up to be a cultural and commercial sensation.As the countdown to its premiere continues, the fashion world—and Hollywood—can only wait to see what fabulous twists await in the story of Miranda Priestly, Andy Sachs, and, of course, those shoes.
