The excitement surrounding the much-anticipated sequel, ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2,’ is palpable as it prepares for its UK premiere on May 1. As the release draws closer, new revelations have emerged that connect the film’s star, Meryl Streep, with famed Vogue editor Anna Wintour in an intriguing family link.
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Recent investigations by Ancestry.com have unveiled that Streep and Wintour are in fact sixth cousins, sharing a lineage that traces back to their fifth great-grandparents, Thomas Smith and Elizabeth Kinsey, who lived in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This discovery adds a fascinating layer to the relationship between the actress and the real-life figure that inspired her iconic role as the formidable Miranda Priestly.
For over three decades, Anna Wintour has played a pivotal role in shaping the fashion landscape as the long-standing editor of Vogue. Her influence and leadership have led many to make comparisons between her and the character of Miranda Priestly, portrayed with brilliance by Streep. Although Wintour has often resisted direct connections between herself and the fictional character, she acknowledged in a BBC interview in December 2024 that it is ultimately up to the audience to determine any parallels.
The connection between the film’s narrative and Wintour’s life is further deepened by the fact that Lauren Weisberger, the author of ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ was Wintour’s assistant. Weisberger grew up in Allentown, a mere 20 miles from where Streep and Wintour’s ancestors resided. This proximity adds another layer of context to the identities of both Wintour and Streep as they prepare to step back into the characters that captured hearts two decades ago.
As ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ approaches, its storyline promises both nostalgia and fresh excitement. The upcoming film is set to explore the evolving dynamics of the fashion industry as Miranda Priestly nears retirement. In a compelling twist, Miranda teams up with her former assistant, Andy Sachs, notably played by Anne Hathaway, to confront her new rival, Emily Charlton, portrayed by Emily Blunt.
Returning to the big screen alongside Streep, Hathaway, and Blunt are other familiar faces such as Stanley Tucci’s Nigel Kipling. Their return, coupled with new additions to the cast, raises anticipation for a continuation of the wit and glamour that marked the first film’s success.
Among the new cast members are well-known names including Justin Theroux, Lady Gaga, Kenneth Branagh, Lucy Liu, and Simone Ashley. Their involvement suggests that ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ will not only revisit beloved characters but also introduce fresh dynamics that could intrigue both new and returning audiences.
As we stand on the brink of this cinematic release, the legacy of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ continues to cast a long shadow. Streep’s portrayal of a complex, powerful woman in the world of high fashion remains a cultural touchstone, and the ties revealed between her and Wintour only serve to enhance the narrative’s depth and appeal.
With the film’s debut just a month away, fans across the UK and beyond are eagerly preparing to dive back into the world of Runway magazine, fashion rivalries, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The forthcoming sequel not only revisits long-standing characters but also offers a chance to reflect on the evolution of fashion and its influential leaders.
In summary, ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ emerges as a compelling sequel enriched by previously unknown familial ties between its leading lady and real-life fashion icon. As excitement builds up, the film is poised to capture the imaginations of audiences and continue the legacy that began two decades ago.