Adrian Grenier will not return as Nate in 'The Devil Wears Prada 2', a decision that has left the actor "disappointed" but also acknowledges the controversial nature of his original character. This key omission comes 20 years after the original film, as a star-studded cast reunites for the highly anticipated sequel.
The comedy-drama, directed by David Frankel, sees Anne Hathaway's Andy Sachs return to Runway magazine as a senior editor, crossing paths with Miranda Priestly and former colleague Emily, now a Dior executive. Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci all reprise their iconic roles.
Director David Frankel had initially hoped for a cameo appearance from Grenier's character, but production logistics ultimately prevented it. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Frankel revealed, "I had an idea about sneaking him into a cameo, and, in the end, it was just too late in our production schedule to make it happen."
Adrian Grenier himself has expressed his feelings regarding the exclusion, acknowledging both his personal disappointment and the audience's perception of Nate. He told Page Six, "We’re all fans of the movie, whether or not we were in it. 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."
The actor even playfully addressed his absence in a recent Starbucks advert, humorously suggesting a definitive break from the character. In the clip, Grenier quipped, “Ok, so he wasn’t perfect. So let’s leave Nate in 2006 and keep this good energy going.”
Nate's Narrative Erasure: A Sign of Evolving Storytelling?
The deliberate omission of Nate in 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' speaks volumes about how modern audiences and filmmakers are re-evaluating classic cinematic relationships. Nate, often criticized for his unsupportive and at times emotionally manipulative behavior towards Andy in the original film, has become a lightning rod for discussions on "toxic masculinity" in pop culture.
This decision to sideline a once-central love interest, rather than redeem or reframe him, marks a significant shift. It prioritizes Andy's professional growth and independence, aligning with contemporary narratives that champion female empowerment over traditional romantic entanglements. This mirrors trends seen in other recent legacy sequels where problematic characters from the past are either reformed, recast, or entirely removed to better reflect current social values and audience expectations.
The sequel, released on May 1, 2026, appears poised to build on Andy's journey without the shadow of a divisive romantic subplot. By focusing on her return to Runway and new encounters, the film can forge a fresh path, unburdened by past narrative complexities and controversies surrounding Nate's character.
