In the original The Devil Wears Prada, Andy and Emily’s relationship with Miranda Priestly was defined by fear, deference, and a willingness to endure emotional abuse for the sake of advancement. The sequel flips that script, positioning Simone Ashley's younger character as more vocal and less willing to be steamrolled, framing her as a confident voice for the next generation.

Simone Ashley has spoken about the generational shift behind her character Amari in The Devil Wears Prada 2, explaining how her cohort approaches Miranda Priestly’s world with more self-assurance than the original trio.

“I think you know Amari's role was to protect Miranda, to make sure that she's doing her job in the best way possible,” Ashley described Amari's purpose to Deadline. The comment points to a dynamic where the newer team is focused on maintaining professionalism and protecting the institution rather than seeking personal approval.

She went on to emphasize Amari’s role as a reflection of evolving workplace values.

“We see that from the beginning throughout the movie, and I think Amari's the voice of this new generation, and I hope she honestly reflects that and people feel that watching this movie,” Ashley said. Her remarks align with broader press coverage that positions Amari as part of a more emotionally aware workforce that values boundaries while still respecting excellence.

“This generation definitely has confidence in their opinion and in their voice, what they want to say,” she added. That perspective underscores the sequel’s narrative shift, where younger assistants are more willing to question authority, push back on unreasonable expectations, and openly address burnout and mental health concerns.

That evolving workplace dynamic also shapes key creative decisions behind the film’s final cut.

Sydney Sweeney cameo cut as sequel sharpens its focus

Sydney Sweeney’s planned cameo in The Devil Wears Prada 2 has been cut ahead of the film’s release, according to trade reports and industry coverage. The Euphoria star was set to appear in a brief role connecting her rising fashion industry presence to Miranda Priestly’s world. However, the scene did not make the final version following editorial and pacing adjustments.

Reports indicate that filmmakers chose to streamline the ensemble to maintain focus on the central workplace dynamics and the new generation of assistants. This includes Simone Ashley’s Amari, who serves as a key lens through which the story explores shifting power structures. The decision reflects a deliberate effort to prioritize narrative clarity over cameo appearances.

Ultimately, the sequel’s emphasis remains on generational change and evolving workplace norms. With characters like Amari at the center, the film positions itself as both a continuation and a reinterpretation of the original’s themes. All in all, each of the characters comes together to aid The Devil Wears Prada 2 to bring a modern edge to a beloved story.

What do you think of Simone Ashley's depiction of the new generation in The Devil Wears Prada 2? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Pratham Gurung

Edited by

Adiba Nizami