From left, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt are seen at the London premiere of 'The Devil Wears Prada 2,' where excitement around the film was out in full force. (Getty Images via CNN Newsource)
After 20 years of anticipation, The Devil Wears Prada 2 made a stylish return to theaters, capturing audiences and the box office with a massive US$77 million debut in the U.S. and Canada. With an additional US$156.6 million internationally, the film effortlessly outpaced its competition, including the “Michael” Jackson biopic, which settled for second place.
A Sequel with Strong Backing
The Walt Disney Co.’s 20th Century Studios released The Devil Wears Prada 2 in 4,150 locations across North America. Women accounted for a hefty 76% of ticket buyers, with 74% of them stating they would “definitely recommend” the film to others. Despite mixed reviews, the movie was a huge financial win, far exceeding the US$100 million production budget.
Star Power and Brand Tie-Ins Fuel Success
Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway returned in their iconic roles, supported by Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and even high-profile cameos. Brand partnerships, including Dior and Diet Coke, boosted the film's visibility. The star-studded marketing blitz, including stops in Tokyo, London, and New York, has been key to maintaining the buzz.Legacy and Popularity
The film’s success is not only due to its stars but also the global appeal of its predecessor, which grossed over US$326 million. The sequel has capitalized on nostalgia, with streaming numbers for The Devil Wears Prada spiking by 428% between March and April 2026, per Nielsen.
“Michael” Holds Strong Despite Competition
The Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, earned a solid US$54 million in its second weekend. Despite Prada’s powerful debut, Michael’s staying power highlighted the strong interest in music biopics.
Summer Movie Season Starts Strong
This weekend marks the beginning of the summer movie season, which often drives around 40% of the year’s box office sales. While Marvel fans missed out on a superhero flick, the pairing of The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Michael shows audiences are eager for both escapist entertainment and nostalgia-driven content.
Top 5 Box Office Hits
The top films of the weekend include:
- The Devil Wears Prada 2 – US$77 million
- Michael – US$54 million
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – US$12.1 million
- Project Hail Mary – US$8.6 million
- Hokum – US$6.4 million
Despite new releases like Hokum and Animal Farm, Prada and Michael continued to reign supreme at the box office, setting a strong foundation for Hollywood’s summer season.
