Although the film's release is scheduled for next year, social media platforms are already flooded with images of Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep filming in New York. Videos show Hathaway (as Andy Sachs) and Streep (as Miranda Priestly) walking on sidewalks and entering offices. Around 10 of Sachs' costumes and 3 of Priestly's have been revealed.

Anne Hathaway (left) and Meryl Streep on the set of "The Devil Wears Prada 2." The film is slated for release in 5/2026. Photo: GC Images

Anne Hathaway (left) and Meryl Streep on the set of "The Devil Wears Prada 2." The film is slated for release in 5/2026. Photo: GC Images

According to the Hollywood Reporter, some scenes were filmed so closely that dialogue was audible. On 20/8, while filming in Central Park, Hathaway and Stanley Tucci asked the paparazzi to keep their distance.

On X, many fans expressed frustration over the leaked scenes, costumes, and settings, saying it diminished the surprise of seeing the film in theaters. Some argued that paparazzi should control the release of behind-the-scenes images. One user wrote, "How long will this continue? If things keep going this way, what will be left for me to see on screen?". Another commented, "I wish the paparazzi and TikTokers would show some restraint and at least respect the film's image copyright."

According to Vogue, the film's costume designer, Molly Rogers, expressed disappointment over the premature online leaks. The leaks have also increased security costs for the film, especially for stars Hathaway and Streep.

On the other hand, some paparazzi believe the leaked images contribute to the film's publicity. Steve Sands, a well-known New York paparazzo, stated, "Many directors welcome me because this benefits them."

A classic scene from "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006). Video: 20th Century Fox

Many Hollywood projects have faced similar situations. "It Ends With Us" with Blake Lively in New Jersey and "And Just Like That" in New York were both closely followed by paparazzi. Producer Emma Tillinger Koskoff, who worked in New York on "Joker" (2019), "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013), and "The Irishman" (2019), said that during the filming of "Joker: Folie a Deux," Lady Gaga's presence turned the set into a "paparazzi storm."

Manhattan's crowded nature, with its many tourists and paparazzi, makes it difficult for film crews to avoid being filmed or photographed surreptitiously. Another reason is New York's lack of laws restricting paparazzi, unlike California, which has regulations against invasion of privacy, harassment, and trespassing.

Koskoff believes the city government needs policies to protect filmmakers and their work. According to the New York Post, the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting, the agency responsible for supporting and coordinating production, said it would continue to balance the interests of filmmakers and freedom of the press while monitoring safety and efficiency during filming.

"The Devil Wears Prada" is based on Lauren Weisberger's novel of the same name and directed by David Frankel. The first installment revolves around the life of recent college graduate Andy Sachs. With her talent and intelligence, she gradually wins over Runway's editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly. However, Sachs loses herself and those close to her in the process.

According to Box Office Mojo, the film grossed over $325 million—9 times its production budget. It received two Oscar nominations, a Golden Globe Award, and numerous other film awards. The fashion, overseen by stylist Patricia Field, showcased the glamour of high fashion.

The first film ends with Sachs leaving Runway to work for a newspaper in New York. In the sequel, Priestly faces challenges in a declining publishing industry and confronts former employee Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt), now a powerful fashion executive.

Cat Tien (via Hollywood Reporter)