‘Devil Wears Prada 2’ faces Asia backlash over perceived racial stereotyping in new character

Social media users across Asia say early promo clips reinforce outdated stereotypes of Asian characters

The upcoming release of The Devil Wears Prada 2 has sparked significant controversy across parts of Asia, with criticism focused on the portrayal of a new character, Jin Chao. The backlash emerged after promotional clips circulated online, prompting widespread debate about representation and stereotyping in Hollywood films.

The character Jin Chao, portrayed as a highly educated and socially awkward assistant, has drawn scrutiny from viewers in Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong and other regions. Many social media users argue that the character’s traits, including her academic emphasis, conservative styling and perceived awkwardness, reinforce long standing stereotypes about Asian people in Western media.

In particular, critics have pointed to the way Jin Chao is framed in promotional material interacting with Anne Hathaway’s character Andy Sachs. Some viewers say the character is positioned in a way that emphasises intellectual achievement over personality or individuality, which they believe echoes outdated Hollywood tropes.

The discussion intensified after clips shared on official social media accounts of 20th Century Studios gained millions of views. Online reactions have been especially strong on platforms such as X, where posts questioning the portrayal have circulated widely and attracted significant engagement. Some users have described the character as a caricature, while others have called for more nuanced and contemporary representation of Asian professionals in mainstream cinema.

Media outlets across Asia, including publications such as the South China Morning Post, The Korea Times and The Sankei Shimbun, have reported on the controversy, reflecting the scale of regional attention. The debate has also extended into broader discussions about how global audiences interpret representation differently depending on cultural context.

Supporters of the film’s creative direction argue that the character is intended as a modern Gen Z portrayal of workplace ambition rather than a racial stereotype. Some commentators have suggested that traits such as academic focus and reserved behaviour are being misinterpreted when viewed through a critical lens online. However, this perspective has done little to ease criticism in many online communities.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions in global entertainment over representation and cultural sensitivity. As Hollywood continues to expand international audiences, scrutiny of character design and narrative framing has intensified, particularly when portrayals intersect with longstanding stereotypes.

With The Devil Wears Prada 2 set for its full theatrical release, the debate surrounding Jin Chao is expected to continue, reflecting wider conversations about diversity, perception and responsibility in modern filmmaking.