Nearly two decades after the original film redefined the fashion-movie genre, The Devil Wears Prada is officially returning to the cultural conversation with a highly anticipated sequel. Fans were thrilled to learn that the core powerhouse trio—Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt—along with the iconic Stanley Tucci, would be reprising their roles. The new installment promises to explore the shifting landscape of modern media, tracking Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs as they navigate the decline of traditional print journalism and cross paths with Emily, who has since climbed the ranks to become a formidable executive in the fashion business.
However, amidst the excitement of the reunion, one familiar face is noticeably missing. Adrian Grenier, who portrayed Andy’s boyfriend, Nate Cooper, is not part of the sequel. His absence has reignited long-standing debates about his character’s role in the original film and his complicated dynamic with Andy. While some fans were hoping for a glimpse of where their relationship landed, it appears the story has moved on—and Grenier seems perfectly content to leave the past behind.
The Legacy of Nate Cooper: A Polarizing Figure
In the 2006 original, Grenier played Nate, a talented chef working in New York City. At the start of the film, he serves as the grounding force in Andy’s life, offering support as she navigates the cutthroat world of Runway magazine. However, as Andy becomes increasingly consumed by the demands of her high-pressure job, the cracks in their relationship begin to show. Nate’s frustration with Andy’s changing priorities became a major plot point, leading many viewers to view him as either a supportive partner pushed to his limit or an unsupportive boyfriend who failed to champion her professional growth.
The tension between the two characters serves as a mirror for the central conflict of the film: the struggle to balance personal identity with professional ambition. While they do break up during the film’s climax, the final scenes suggest a tentative reconciliation, leaving the audience to wonder if they eventually found their way back to one another. Despite this open-ended conclusion, the sequel has opted to close the book on that chapter of Andy’s life entirely.
Addressing the Absence: Grenier’s Playful Response
Rather than letting rumors swirl, Adrian Grenier addressed his absence from the project with a sense of humor. In a recent Starbucks commercial tied to the sequel’s promotional cycle, Grenier leaned into the meta-narrative of his exclusion. In the ad, he acknowledges the headlines, stating, “You might have seen the headlines—I wasn’t asked to be part of a certain sequel.” He quickly pivots to a lighthearted tone, adding, “But I’m good. Really. It’s all good energy.”
During the spot, he raises a drink in a toast to his character, remarking, “So, a toast to Nate… He made a mean sandwich, he loved his girlfriend… to a point.” He admits that Nate “wasn’t perfect,” before ultimately concluding that it is best to “leave Nate in 2006 and keep this good energy going.” This public acknowledgment effectively put to rest any speculation about behind-the-scenes drama, framing his absence as a creative decision rather than a personal slight.
Why the Sequel Chose to Move On
While reports suggest that a cameo for Grenier was briefly discussed during the early development stages of the sequel, it ultimately did not materialize. The decision to exclude Nate likely stems from the narrative direction of the new film. By focusing on the evolution of Miranda, Andy, and Emily in a modern, digital-first media environment, the sequel aims to prioritize the professional stakes and the complex power dynamics between these three women.
Including Nate might have felt like a distraction from the central themes of the sequel. By leaving the character in the past, the filmmakers are signaling that Andy’s journey has evolved far beyond the relationship struggles that defined her early career. The focus is now on her professional legacy and the challenges of staying relevant in an industry that has changed drastically since the mid-2000s.
Key Takeaways Regarding the Sequel
- The Core Cast Returns: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci are all confirmed to return.
- A Modern Setting: The plot shifts to address the decline of print media and the rise of digital influence.
- Creative Closure: Adrian Grenier has confirmed he was not asked to return and is supportive of the film’s new direction.
- Character Evolution: The sequel focuses on the professional growth of the main trio rather than revisiting past romantic subplots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Adrian Grenier refuse to be in the sequel?
No. Grenier has stated that he was not asked to participate, and he has expressed no ill will regarding the decision, choosing instead to support the project from afar.
Will there be any mention of Nate in the new movie?
While the film’s script remains largely under wraps, the focus is expected to be on the current professional lives of the main characters rather than their past romantic history.
Why was Nate such a controversial character?
Nate was viewed by many fans as unsupportive of Andy’s career ambitions, leading to a long-standing debate about whether he was a “villain” or simply a partner who felt neglected by
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