Adrian Grenier speaks up about missing ‘Devil Wears Prada 2’

Adrian Grenier has spoken out for the first time about not returning for The Devil Wears Prada 2, the long-awaited follow-up to the 2006 hit. Grenier, who played Nate, the supportive yet often criticised boyfriend of Anne Hathaway’s Andy, called the omission “a disappointment” while acknowledging that public perception of his character may have influenced the decision.

In an interview, Grenier admitted he understood the decision even if it was frustrating. “Obviously, it was a disappointment that I didn’t get the call to be in the sequel. But I also understand there was some backlash with Nate, the character, so that might have something to do with it,” he said. When pressed further about whether fan criticism truly impacted casting, Grenier laughed, “As opposed to what?” and added, “Either way, it leaves room for a beautiful spinoff in which Nate has his own film.”

Fans have long debated Nate’s role in the original film, critiquing him for not fully supporting Andy as she navigates the pressures of working for Miranda Priestly, played again by Meryl Streep. Over the years, social media discussions have turned into widespread backlash, which Grenier says took him by surprise. In 2021, he reflected on the fan reaction, noting, “I didn’t see some of the subtleties and the nuance of this character and what it represented in the film until the wisdom of the masses came online and started to push against the character and throw him under the bus.”

Grenier acknowledged his own immaturity at the time may have prevented him from fully understanding Nate’s shortcomings, adding that reflection has given him a new perspective on the criticism. Despite missing the sequel, several original cast members, including Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, reprise their roles, while David Frankel returns to direct the May 1 theatrical release.