Adrian Grenier has expressed his disappointment over the absence of his character, Nate, in the highly anticipated sequel to the iconic film, *The Devil Wears Prada*. As the actor promotes his latest project, *Self Custody*, he revealed that he believes there is still much more to explore regarding Nate’s character, suggesting the potential for a standalone spinoff.
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Grenier, who starred in *The Devil Wears Prada* back in 2006, is currently featured in the film *Self Custody*, a thriller that follows a struggling father as he attempts to reclaim a lost Bitcoin fortune. In an exclusive interview, Grenier shared his thoughts on Nate, stating, “I was disappointed… Apparently, my character is a controversial character, so he might need his own spinoff.” This statement comes against the backdrop of mixed reactions to Nate’s character, which some fans have controversially labelled as the film’s real “villain.”
While speaking to *PEOPLE*, Grenier offered insight into the relationship dynamics between Nate and Andy, played by Anne Hathaway. Their romance comes to a tumultuous end in the original film, exacerbated by the demands of Andy’s career at the magazine Runway. Grenier noted that with the evolving narrative surrounding Nate, there is undoubtedly more that can be said about him: “If Nate is actually the devil in *The Devil Wears Prada*, I’d like to see what his character does beyond, as a spinoff movie.”
The actor further elaborated on the criticisms directed towards Nate over the years. He acknowledged that some viewers interpreted his character’s actions as reflective of toxic behaviour. “I can understand the sentiment,” Grenier commented. However, he defended Nate, suggesting that his expectations—like wanting his girlfriend to honour a birthday celebration—were reasonable, despite the general perception.
Moreover, Grenier proposed that Nate’s shortcomings stem from a lack of assertiveness. “I did think that his reaction felt a little bit meek and weak,” he admitted, reflecting on the communication failures within their relationship. He suggested that a clearer dialogue and more established boundaries could have shifted the trajectory of their romance and transformed Nate’s portrayal in the eyes of the audience.
The actor’s reflections align with insights from Hathaway, who has also commented on their characters’ relationship during promotional events. In a recent interview, she expressed that both characters were simply navigating the complexities of young adulthood. “I think that they were both very young, and figuring things out,” she remarked, ultimately dismissing the notion that Nate should be considered the villain.
Hathaway further acknowledged that both characters exhibited immaturity at times, reflecting a universal experience of growth and personal development as one transitions through their twenties. “I wouldn’t want to be defined by my worst moment in my 20s, certainly, so I don’t hold Nate as a villain,” she stated.
Grenier’s evolving views on Nate’s character and audience perception have not gone unnoticed. In a previous interview, he expressed his surprise at how online discourse had shifted popular opinion, admitting that he had not fully recognised his character’s complexities until he sought feedback from audiences. “In many ways, he’s very selfish and self-involved; it was all about him,” Grenier reflected, adding that he has come to see how Nate’s actions might resonate differently with viewers.
As fans eagerly await the release of *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, Grenier’s insights offer a refreshing perspective on the beloved film’s characters. *Self Custody*, meanwhile, remains available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, and Plex, showcasing Grenier in a different light as he navigates the struggles of fatherhood and financial hardship.
Overall, Grenier’s commentary on Nate’s character invites a closer examination of relationships portrayed in film and the complexities of emotional growth. As the dialogue surrounding *The Devil Wears Prada* continues to evolve, there may yet be room for Nate’s story to be told with sincerity and depth, perhaps in a sequel of his own.