The Devil Wears Prada 2 is set to hit theaters in May, but one of the original cast members, Adrian Grenier, won't be returning. Grenier, who played Nate, the boyfriend of Andy (played by Anne Hathaway), expressed his disappointment in not being included in the sequel. He believes that the negative public perception of Nate might be the reason for his absence, as the character faced backlash for his lack of support for Andy in her demanding job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep).
Grenier's character, Nate, was initially criticized by fans for his seemingly unsupportive behavior towards Andy. In a 2021 interview, Grenier admitted that he was surprised by the negative reaction, as he didn't fully grasp the nuances of Nate's character at the time. He stated, 'I might’ve been as immature as him at the time, so I personally couldn’t see his shortcomings.' However, after reflecting and deliberating, Grenier came to understand the perspective of the fans, realizing the truth in their criticism.
The actor humorously suggested that the backlash against Nate could be the reason for his absence in the sequel, implying that the character's unpopularity might have led to his exclusion. Despite the disappointment, Grenier sees an opportunity for a spin-off focusing on Nate's journey, leaving room for a separate film exploring his story. This perspective showcases Grenier's ability to find a positive angle in a situation that could have been frustrating.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 promises to bring back the original cast, including Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, while also introducing new characters. The sequel aims to capture the essence of the original film, navigating the complex world of fashion and media. Grenier's absence from the sequel is a notable change, but his character's impact on the original film remains significant, leaving a lasting impression on fans and critics alike.