In The Devil Wears Prada 2, a new villain emerges: Benji Barnes, a tech billionaire played by Justin Theroux. The character, who seeks to buy his way into fashion's inner circle, bears striking similarities to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The film explores how billionaires like Bezos are reshaping media and culture, often at the expense of artistry and tradition.
Benji Barnes and the Bezos Parallels
Benji Barnes, after a high-profile divorce, undergoes a visual transformation and enters a relationship with Emily (Emily Blunt), Miranda Priestly's former assistant. This mirrors Bezos's post-divorce glow-up and his marriage to Lauren Sánchez Bezos. Benji's ex-wife, Sasha Barnes (Lucy Liu), dedicates herself to philanthropy, echoing MacKenzie Scott's charitable pledges. The romance between Benji and Emily provides comic relief but underscores a darker truth: wealth can buy cultural influence.
The Real-World Context
Bezos's role as honorary chair of the 2025 Met Gala sparked controversy, with rumors of celebrity boycotts. His involvement reflects a broader trend of tech billionaires infiltrating fashion and media. Screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna noted that the script predated Bezos's reported interest in acquiring Condé Nast, but the coincidence was striking.
On-Screen Billionaires Reflect Reality
The film joins a lineage of shows like The Morning Show, Industry, and Succession that depict tech oligarchs wielding immense power. In real life, figures like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bezos stood prominently at Donald Trump's second inauguration, symbolizing their influence. These men control the tools of communication, work, and entertainment, raising questions about the future of creativity.
A Cautionary Tale
In a pivotal scene, Benji envisions a future where AI replaces models, locations, and designers. Miranda defends beauty and artistry, but seems powerless against the billionaire's vision. The film asks whether we want a world where tech moguls prioritize efficiency over human achievement.
