Devil Wears Prada 2: Poised to Dominate the Summer Box Office

The highly anticipated sequel to The Devil Wears Prada is generating significant buzz, with early tracking suggesting a potential opening weekend of up to $66 million in the U.S. over the May 1-3 frame – officially kicking off the summer movie season. This positions the film as a strong contender, particularly for a non-family title aimed at a broad female audience.

A Fashionable Return After Two Decades

From 20th Century and Disney, Devil Wears Prada 2 arrives two decades after the original film captivated audiences in 2006, earning nearly $327 million globally. The original film not only became a box office hit but also launched the careers of Anne Hathaway and introduced Emily Blunt to a wider American audience. Both actresses, along with Stanley Tucci, reprise their roles in the sequel.

What to Expect from the Sequel

Director David Frankel has hinted at the evolution of the characters, noting that they are “20 years along in their careers and at very different places.” He also emphasized the film’s relevance to the current media landscape, stating that it’s “a movie about a woman in her 40s… [that’s] about how you make peace with the world as you find it, not the world that you wish existed.”

Competition and the Changing Summer Landscape

Historically, the first weekend of May was often reserved for fanboy-driven superhero films. However, recent production delays due to the pandemic and labor strikes have reshuffled the release schedule. Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine and Avengers: Doomsday have been pushed to later dates, creating an opportunity for Disney to position Devil Wears Prada 2 as a summer kickoff film.

Last year, Universal attempted to launch the summer season with The Fall Guy, but it underperformed at the box office. Disney is hoping that Prada 2 will capitalize on nostalgia and appeal to both Gen Z and millennial audiences, who have a strong connection to the original film.

Anne Hathaway’s Connection with Generations

Hathaway herself recognizes the impact she’s had on these generations, often receiving graduation announcements and wedding invitations from fans who grew up with her roles in The Princess Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada. She fondly describes feeling like “everybody’s babysitter” and cherishes the connection she’s built with her audience.

‘Michael’ Biopic Also Generating Heat

Alongside Devil Wears Prada 2, Lionsgate’s highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, is also tracking strongly, potentially earning close to or exceeding $60 million in its opening weekend. Universal is handling the international distribution of the film.

Stay tuned for further updates on the box office performance of these highly anticipated summer releases!

Source: The Hollywood Reporter