Anne Hathaway steps in on ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ to avoid “alarmingly thin” models

Anne Hathaway intervenes in ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ casting to challenge extreme thinness, reigniting debate within the fashion industry.

Nearly two decades after the release of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, some conversations remain more relevant than ever. Now, with filming for its highly anticipated sequel underway, attention is not only on the return of its iconic cast, but also on what is happening behind the scenes.

In a recent interview, Meryl Streep revealed a defining moment led by Anne Hathaway that has shaped the direction of the project. While preparing a key scene — a fashion show within the film’s narrative — the actresses were confronted with a reality they believed had been left behind: models who appeared extremely thin, to a concerning degree.

According to Streep, the reaction was immediate. The actress admitted she was taken aback by what she saw — young faces, but bodies reflecting an aesthetic the industry has spent years trying to question. An image that felt like a relic of the past… yet remains present today.

That was when Anne Hathaway decided to act.

Rather than simply observing, the actress approached producers directly to express her concerns. Her stance was clear: she did not want the film to reinforce a physical ideal that has long been criticised for its impact on health and body image.

The response came swiftly. As Streep explained, Hathaway succeeded in securing a commitment from the production team to avoid casting models with an excessively thin appearance, establishing a clear ethical boundary. A move Streep described with admiration, highlighting Hathaway’s conviction and integrity.

This intervention arrives at a particularly sensitive moment for the industry. In recent months, debates around beauty standards, body image and representation have intensified once again, especially across social media, where many public figures have pointed to the return of aesthetics linked to extreme thinness.

Some voices warn that such portrayals can influence younger audiences, reopening discussions that once seemed to be moving towards more diverse and healthier standards. The tension between aspiration and reality is, once again, at the forefront.

‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’, also starring Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, is set for release on 1 May, with filming taking place across New York.

But beyond the return of its beloved characters, this sequel appears to bring something more: a renewed perspective on the impact of what we see on screen.