The sequel nobody asked for… until it made $433 million worldwide while the 2006 original took 18 years to reach $326 million.

When The Devil Wears Prada hit theaters in 2006, it quietly became a cultural phenomenon. Nineteen years later, The Devil Wears Prada 2 has done something even more impressive: it just crossed the original film’s entire lifetime worldwide gross in only its second weekend.

Here’s exactly how it happened, why it’s blowing up with female audiences, and what this means for Hollywood’s nostalgia playbook in 2026.

Box Office Breakdown: The Numbers Don’t Lie

• Opening Weekend (May 1-4, 2026): $77 million domestic + $156 million international = $233 million global
• Second Weekend (May 8-10): Held extremely well, adding another ~$68 million domestic
• Current Total (as of May 11): $433 million worldwide
• Domestic so far: ~$145 million
• Original 2006 film lifetime total: $326.5 million worldwide

That means Prada 2 has already beaten the first movie’s full run in roughly 10 days of release.

CinemaScore: A- (strong word-of-mouth) Audience score on Rotten Tomatoes: 78% Female audience share: 71% (25-54 age group dominating)

Why Is The Devil Wears Prada 2 Crushing It?

1. Millennial Nostalgia Is Undeniable The core audience that grew up quoting “I’m just one stomach flu away from my goal weight” is now 30-45 years old with disposable income. They’re not just watching — they’re dragging their friends, moms, and book clubs to the theater. This is the same demo that made Barbie (2023) and Wicked (2024) massive hits.
2. The Full Original Cast Reunion Actually Delivered Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and even Adrian Grenier returned. Audiences didn’t just want cameos — they wanted the real thing. The chemistry is still electric, and early reviews call the sequel “surprisingly sharp” instead of the cash-grab many feared.
3. Perfect Mother’s Day Weekend Timing The second weekend landed right before Mother’s Day. Female-driven movies historically explode on this holiday, and Prada 2 became the #1 choice for moms and daughters across America.
4. Fashion + Celebrity Cameos Are Going Viral From Lady Gaga performing on the runway in Milan to surprise appearances by Donatella Versace, Marc Jacobs, Heidi Klum, and more — social media is flooded with “spot the cameo” videos. Every TikTok and Instagram Reel is free marketing.

Is This the Last Big Win for Legacy IP?

Some analysts are already calling The Devil Wears Prada 2 “the final victory lap for Hollywood’s nostalgia machine.” While the film is undeniably fun and profitable, its success also highlights how difficult it has become to create new IP that connects this strongly with audiences.

Disney took a beloved 19-year-old property, brought back every major star, leaned hard into fashion and media satire, and watched the money roll in. Will the same formula work for other aging franchises? Time will tell.

What’s Next for The Devil Wears Prada 2?

Current projections have the film heading toward $650–750 million worldwide, which would make it one of the biggest non-superhero, non-animated hits of 2026. A third film is already being whispered about in Hollywood circles.

Should You See It in Theaters?

If you loved the original, the answer is a clear yes. If you want sharp dialogue, gorgeous fashion, and the comfort of seeing old friends back together, The Devil Wears Prada 2 delivers exactly what it promises.

Just don’t expect revolutionary storytelling — this is pure, glossy, crowd-pleasing entertainment. And right now, America can’t get enough of it.