In The Devil Wears Prada, New York City pulsed as a co-star, its frenetic streets and skyscraper shadows mirroring Andy Sachs' frantic ascent through fashion's cutthroat world. The sequel returns to NYC, cementing its pivotal role once more as the cast reflects on its unmatched energy. Their experiences highlight how the city blends authentic chaos with fan-driven excitement, elevating production beyond a typical film shoot.

Anne Hathaway described filming The Devil Wears Prada 2 in New York as deeply emotional.

“It was very emotional to get to film in New York and to see New York be into it back. It was just beautiful,” she said. Shooting on iconic stretches like Fifth Avenue brought a renewed scale to Andy Sachs’ journey, with crowds cheering during major scenes.

Stanley Tucci highlighted the city’s unpredictability as both a challenge and an asset.

“Filming in New York is always fun, not easy, but fun,” he explained. From Brooklyn exteriors to Midtown rushes, the production navigated real traffic, pedestrians, and paparazzi. That unpredictability added raw texture to scenes, grounding the satire in a sense of lived reality that mirrors Nigel’s evolving arc.

Meryl Streep experienced an unusual level of public attention during filming.

“There were a lot of fans. When we did the gala event, people dressed up as Miranda. I don’t have a rockstar persona, so I’m not used to that kind of thing,” she shared. Fans gathered in large numbers, especially around Lincoln Center shoots, with many channeling Miranda Priestly’s signature style.

But while the city fuels excitement, the sequel is also navigating controversy beyond its glamorous streets.

Controversy emerges ahead of global release The Devil Wears Prada 2

Attention has centered on Helen Shen’s character Jin Chao, introduced as an assistant to Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs. Some viewers have raised concerns about the name and its perceived phonetic similarities to offensive language. Debate has intensified across platforms like Sina Weibo, where discussions have drawn millions of views.

Critics have also pointed to the character’s styling and traits, arguing they lean into familiar stereotypes. The portrayal has reignited conversations about representation in global productions. Others caution that reactions may be premature, noting that trailers offer limited context.

Some analysts suggest the full film could provide greater nuance to the character. Still, the discourse reflects growing scrutiny toward Hollywood storytelling in international markets. As the cast celebrates the energy of New York, the film’s reception abroad shows how quickly narratives can shift.

What do you think about the cast of The Devil Wears Prada 2 talking about New York City? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Pratham Gurung

Edited by

Hriddhi Maitra