Adrian Grenier's Absence in The Devil Wears Prada 2 Raises Eyebrows

As excitement builds for the upcoming release of The Devil Wears Prada 2, fans are left wondering about the absence of Adrian Grenier's character, Nate. Director David Frankel revealed that while there were plans to include Grenier, scheduling conflicts ultimately prevented his return. This has sparked discussions among fans, particularly regarding Nate's mixed reception in the original film. The sequel promises to explore new dynamics as Andy Sachs returns to Runway Magazine, but the absence of Nate raises questions about how their relationship might have evolved. With the film set to premiere on May 1, fans are eager to see how the story unfolds without one of its original characters.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 27, 2026, 00:17 IST

Excitement Builds for The Devil Wears Prada 2

The anticipation for The Devil Wears Prada 2 is palpable as fans eagerly await its release. While the film promises to bring back beloved characters and introduce new drama, the absence of one key figure has sparked considerable discussion. Director David Frankel disclosed that Adrian Grenier, who portrayed Nate in the original film, was initially in talks to reprise his role. Unfortunately, despite attempts to include him, plans did not materialize, leaving fans surprised, especially considering the mixed reception of Nate's character and his dynamic with Andy Sachs.

The Reason Behind Nate's Absence

Why is Nate not a part of Andy's story in The Devil Wears Prada 2?

In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Frankel expressed his desire to have Grenier return, even for a short cameo. He mentioned, “I tried sneaking him in,” but scheduling conflicts ultimately hindered the effort. By the time the idea gained traction, production had advanced too far to accommodate Grenier.

Grenier himself expressed disappointment over not being included in the sequel, acknowledging the mixed feelings fans have had about his character over the years, which may have influenced the decision.

Fan Reactions to Nate's Character

Why is Nate not liked by The Devil Wears Prada fans?

Nate, portrayed by Grenier, has faced criticism from fans for his perceived lack of support for Andy Sachs, played by Anne Hathaway, in her career pursuits. Many viewers interpreted his frustrations regarding Andy's demanding job at Runway Magazine as selfish, especially as she worked hard to build her professional identity.

The original film, released in 2006, became a cultural touchstone, largely due to its impressive cast, including Meryl Streep as the formidable Miranda Priestly, Emily Blunt as the witty Emily Charlton, and Stanley Tucci as Nigel Kipling. The return of these three actors makes Grenier’s absence even more pronounced.

Interestingly, Grenier has recently engaged with the conversation surrounding Nate by featuring in a humorous Starbucks commercial that playfully critiques his character. Frankel commended Grenier for his ability to handle the criticism with humor, describing the ad as “self-effacing.” While the director did not disclose what Nate's storyline might have entailed in the sequel, fans have speculated about how his relationship with Andy could have developed, especially since the original film concluded on an ambiguous note regarding their breakup.

The sequel, set to debut on May 1, will follow Miranda Priestly as she navigates the challenges of declining print media while competing with Emily Charlton, who has now become a powerful executive. Andy Sachs also makes her return to Runway Magazine, two decades after her departure, setting the stage for new relationships and conflicts.