According to Discussing Film on X, as reported across industry tracking, the sequel pulled in $32.5 million domestically on its opening day, a figure that already exceeds what “The Devil Wears Prada” managed across its entire opening weekend in 2006.
The result places the follow-up in a markedly different commercial position from its predecessor, which built momentum gradually rather than arriving as an immediate hit.
A Sequel That Opens Bigger Than Its Predecessor Ever Did
The early numbers reflect a sharp shift in how audiences are approaching the property two decades later. While the original film went on to become a global success, its debut was comparatively modest, relying on word of mouth and sustained interest. By contrast, the sequel has arrived with built-in familiarity and a significantly broader opening-day turnout.
Directed once again by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna, the new installment reunites core cast members Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci. Their return anchors a story set years after the events of the first picture, while new additions including Justin Theroux and Lucy Liu expand the narrative into a more contemporary media and fashion landscape.
Development on the sequel began in 2024 after years of uncertainty, with the original cast previously expressing hesitation about revisiting the material. Once the creative team aligned, production moved quickly, filming across New York and Milan in 2025. The movie premiered in New York on April 20 before its wide theatrical rollout on May 1.
Critically, the picture has entered theaters with generally positive reception, complementing its early commercial performance. With a reported $50.5 million global gross against a $100 million production budget so far, the opening-day domestic figure now becomes a key indicator of its potential trajectory in the coming weeks.
The comparison to the 2006 original underscores how the franchise’s cultural standing has evolved. What was once a sleeper hit driven by standout performances has returned as an established brand capable of delivering immediate box office impact.