The Devil Wears Prada 2's success at the box office has sparked an intriguing question: Does a third installment make sense for the franchise? With a global launch of $233 million and a total worldwide earnings of $435 million (and counting), the sequel has proven to be a bonafide summer blockbuster event. But, as with any successful franchise, the question of a third film is complex and multifaceted. In this article, I will delve into the various factors that could influence the decision to make The Devil Wears Prada 3, including the potential cast, the financial implications, and the risk of a drop-off in audience interest. Additionally, I will explore the broader implications of the franchise's success and the lessons it holds for the future of Hollywood.
One of the most significant factors in determining the viability of a third film is the cast. The original movie featured a stellar ensemble, including Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt. The question now is whether they would be willing to return for a third installment. Given their salaries for The Devil Wears Prada 2, which were reportedly around $12.5 million each, it is clear that a significant portion of the budget went towards cast salaries. This raises the question of whether a third film could justify such a high budget, especially considering the potential for a drop-off in audience interest.
The success of The Devil Wears Prada 2 is not isolated; it is part of a broader trend in Hollywood. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, for example, has been a juggernaut at the box office, with only a handful of films making more than $650 million worldwide since 2020. However, the franchise has fallen from grace in recent years, with 2025 proving to be a challenging year for the MCU. This raises the question of whether Disney would be wise to invest in another franchise, especially one that may suffer a drop-off in audience interest.
The risk of a drop-off is a real concern, as evidenced by the Avatar franchise. The first film made $2.9 billion, but the subsequent installments saw a significant decline in box office receipts. Similarly, the Jurassic World franchise, which started strong with $1.67 billion in worldwide earnings, has seen a decline in the success of its sequels. This trend suggests that audiences may become less interested in a franchise after a shorter break between films, making the decision to make a third film a risky one.
Despite these risks, there are compelling reasons to pursue a third installment. The Devil Wears Prada 2 has already proven to be a huge financial success, with a production budget of $100 million and a global launch of $233 million. This success is not only in theaters but also in the immense VOD and streaming upside. Additionally, the positive reviews from both critics and audiences alike suggest that there is a strong interest in the franchise. Disney may be willing to take the risk of a third film, especially if it can secure the return of the original cast.
In conclusion, the decision to make The Devil Wears Prada 3 is a complex one, with various factors to consider. The success of the sequel is a compelling reason to pursue a third film, but the risk of a drop-off in audience interest and the financial implications cannot be ignored. Ultimately, the decision will come down to Disney's willingness to take a risk and invest in a franchise that may not have the same level of success as the original. As an expert commentator, I believe that the success of The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a fascinating development in Hollywood, and the decision to make a third film will have significant implications for the future of the franchise and the industry as a whole.
