The Devil Wears Prada 2's success at the box office is a testament to the enduring appeal of the original film and the franchise's potential for future growth. With a global launch of $233 million against a $100 million budget, the sequel has already earned $435 million worldwide, surpassing the first film's earnings of $326.5 million in 2006, adjusted for inflation. This impressive performance raises the question: What does this mean for the future of the franchise? Is a third installment, "The Devil Wears Prada 3," a viable option? And what challenges might it face?
Firstly, the core cast's involvement is crucial. Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt, who were paid $12.5 million each for the sequel, would need to return. Negotiating their salaries and securing their participation could be a significant hurdle, given the substantial portion of the budget allocated to cast salaries.
Secondly, the risk of a drop-off in audience interest looms. The "Avatar" franchise, for instance, experienced a decline in box office revenue after the second installment, with "Avatar: Fire and Ash" earning $1.49 billion, compared to the first film's $2.9 billion. Similarly, the "Jurassic World" series has seen a downward trend in box office returns after the initial success of the first film. This pattern suggests that audiences may become less enthusiastic after a shorter break between installments, making a third "Devil Wears Prada" movie a risky venture.
However, Disney's pursuit of a third installment is not without merit. The sequel's profitability in theaters, VOD, and streaming is undeniable. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, once the gold standard for box office success, has seen a decline in 2025, with only six out of 14 movies since 2020 making over $650 million worldwide. This decline highlights the opportunity for other franchises to fill the gap, and "The Devil Wears Prada" has the potential to become one of them.
In conclusion, while the challenges of securing the cast and managing audience expectations are significant, the financial success of "The Devil Wears Prada 2" and its potential for VOD and streaming success make a third installment a compelling proposition. Disney's decision to pursue a third movie, despite the risks, could be a strategic move to capitalize on the franchise's enduring appeal and tap into the lucrative VOD and streaming markets.
