Los Angeles — David Frankel, director of the highly anticipated The Devil Wears Prada 2, has confirmed that he actively explored including Adrian Grenier — who played Nate, Andy's chef-boyfriend in the original 2006 film — in the sequel, but production scheduling ultimately made it impossible. Frankel made the revelation in a conversation reported by Deadline, offering the first official explanation for the fan-favourite character's absence from the long-awaited follow-up, which premieres in theatres on May 1.

Director's Admission: A Cameo That Almost Happened

David Frankel disclosed that he had considered "sneaking" Adrian Grenier into the sequel as a surprise cameo. However, he noted that "it was just too late in our production schedule to make it happen." Frankel declined to elaborate on how exactly he had envisioned incorporating the character of Nate into the storyline, leaving fans to speculate about what might have been.

Despite the missed opportunity, Frankel expressed genuine warmth toward the actor. "I'm thrilled that he did a Starbucks commercial, which was really funny and so self-effacing. I love the humility and the comedy of it," the director said, referencing a recent advertisement in which Grenier appeared to playfully acknowledge his pop-culture standing.

The Nate Controversy: Why Fans Have Mixed Feelings

The absence of Nate from The Devil Wears Prada 2 is particularly loaded given the character's complicated legacy. Over the years, a significant portion of the film's fanbase has taken to social media to criticise Nate's behaviour in the original film, pointing out his self-centred attitude toward Andy's career ambitions in the fashion industry.

Many viewers argue that Nate was unsupportive and even resentful of Andy Sachs' professional growth, making him one of cinema's more subtly toxic romantic interests. This ongoing cultural reassessment of the character may have played a role in the creative decision-making around the sequel.

In March, Grenier himself addressed the situation candidly in an interview with Page Six, stating: "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. But I think that just leaves room for a spinoff." He further added that "we're all fans of the movie, whether or not we're in it."

The Sequel's Star-Studded Return and Plot Details

The Devil Wears Prada 2 marks the reunion of several key cast members from the beloved original. Anne Hathaway returns as Andy Sachs (now referred to as Andi), Meryl Streep reprises her iconic role as the formidable Miranda Priestley, Emily Blunt returns as Emily Charlton, and Stanley Tucci is back as the beloved Nigel Kipling.

The sequel picks up 20 years after Andy famously quit on Miranda in Paris. The narrative centres on the struggles of Runway Magazine to survive in a dramatically transformed media landscape — a theme that resonates strongly in today's era of declining print media and the dominance of digital platforms.

In the film, Andy and Miranda must set aside their fraught history and work together to persuade Emily — now the powerful head of a luxury brand — to invest advertising revenue that could save Runway from collapse. The plot cleverly mirrors real-world challenges faced by legacy fashion publications.

Broader Context: Legacy Sequels and the Nostalgia Economy

The revival of The Devil Wears Prada franchise fits squarely within Hollywood's broader trend of revisiting beloved properties after nearly two decades. The original film, released in 2006, grossed over $326 million worldwide and became a defining cultural touchstone for a generation, cementing Meryl Streep's Miranda Priestley as one of cinema's most iconic antagonists.

The debate around Nate's character also reflects a broader cultural shift in how audiences now re-evaluate older films through a contemporary lens — reassessing power dynamics, gender expectations, and relationship toxicity that may have gone unquestioned in earlier eras. This cultural re-examination has become a significant driver of engagement for legacy franchises returning to screens.

With The Devil Wears Prada 2 set to premiere on May 1, all eyes will be on whether the sequel can recapture the magic of the original while addressing the evolved sensibilities of its audience — and whether Nate's absence will be addressed within the film's narrative itself.