Adrian Grenier, the actor who portrayed Nate in the original 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, has publicly addressed his absence from the highly anticipated sequel. In a recent interview with Page Six, Grenier disclosed that he was not contacted to reprise his role, and he offered a compelling explanation for this omission.
The Reason Behind the Exclusion
Grenier theorizes that the decision stems from significant fan backlash directed at his character, Nate. In the original movie, Nate is depicted as the long-term boyfriend of Anne Hathaway's character, Andy Sachs. However, audiences widely criticized Nate for his lack of support towards Andy's burgeoning career at the fictional Runway magazine.
"We're all fans of the movie, whether or not we're in it," Grenier stated. "Obviously, it was a disappointment that I didn't get the call to be in the sequel, but I also understand there's some backlash with Nate, the character, so that might have something to do with it." He humorously added, "But I think that just leaves room for a spinoff."
Character Criticism and Fan Reaction
Nate's character arc in the original film involved him criticizing Andy for a perceived change in her personality and prioritizing her demanding job over their relationship. This portrayal led to a wave of negative memes and online criticism, which Grenier admits he did not anticipate during filming.
Reflecting on this in a 2021 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Grenier said, "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, and I got flak." He acknowledged that Nate was "very selfish and self-involved" and failed to support Andy's career ambitions.
Sequel Details and Returning Cast
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is scheduled for release in theaters on May 1, 2026. The plot will follow Andy Sachs, now a fashion journalist, as she crosses paths once again with Meryl Streep's formidable editor, Miranda Priestly, setting the stage for a renewed clash in the fashion world.
Key original cast members, including Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, are confirmed to return for the sequel. The original film, an adaptation of Lauren Weisberger's 2003 novel, was a commercial success, grossing over $326 million internationally and earning Streep a Screen Actors Guild nomination for best actress.
Grenier's Perspective and Future Prospects
Despite his exclusion, Grenier maintains a positive outlook, emphasizing his continued admiration for the franchise. His comments highlight the lasting impact of fan perceptions on casting decisions in major film sequels. While Nate and Andy's relationship concluded with their breakup in the original movie, and Nate's move from New York to Chicago, Grenier's absence from the sequel marks a significant shift for the character's narrative.
This development underscores the evolving dynamics of Hollywood sequels, where audience feedback can directly influence creative choices, leaving room for new storylines and character explorations in future installments.
