“The Devil Wears Prada II” has become a massive global box office success, exceeding US$430 million in its opening week.
This confirms the enduring appeal of the franchise nearly two decades after the release of the first film, which became a cinematic icon in the world of fashion and film.
Global superstar Meryl Streep once again stole the show, reprising her iconic role as Miranda Priestley.
She reportedly received $12.5 million for her participation in the sequel, despite claims that her artistic merit warranted a higher salary – especially considering her illustrious career which includes 21 Academy Award nominations.
Actresses Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt maintained their strong presence in the project, each receiving equal pay, in addition to nearly $20 million each as a percentage of the film’s ever-increasing profits and revenues.
This reflects the film’s significant commercial success and the production companies’ confidence in the popularity of its stars.
Critics believe that the film’s remarkable success demonstrates Hollywood’s ability to revive classic works in a way that strikes a balance between nostalgia and the demands of modern audiences – especially given the widespread popularity of the first installment among film and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
The film not only succeeded in restoring the luster of beloved characters, but also reaffirmed the power of popular female-led films at the global box office, at a time when production studios are looking for films capable of combining critical success with huge commercial returns.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
