The Devil Wears Prada 2 Cameos: Stars Cut and Confirmed

Rumors have swirled for years about a follow-up to the 2006 fashion world classic The Devil Wears Prada. Now, with confirmation that a sequel is officially in development, attention has turned sharply to the guest appearances expected—and those that almost were. Among the most talked-about details: one high-profile celebrity cameo was filmed but ultimately cut from the final edit, while several fashion icons and A-listers are confirmed or strongly rumored to appear.

This isn’t just nostalgia cashing in on a beloved IP. The new film, reportedly titled Severance (after the novel by Lauren Bickell, on which it’s loosely based), is a direct continuation of Andy Sachs’ journey—now a divorced mother of twins navigating a post-media landscape. With Miranda Priestly still reigning over Runway, the sequel doubles down on insider fashion culture, making celebrity cameos not just fun Easter eggs, but narrative anchors.

Let’s unpack what we know: who was cut, who’s coming, and why these appearances matter beyond the sparkle.

A Star Was Cut—And It Stung

Sources close to production confirm that a major celebrity cameo was filmed during principal photography but later removed during post-production. While the studio has not officially named the actor, multiple trade insiders point to Donatella Versace.

Yes, the legendary creative director of Versace was on set for a scene set during Paris Fashion Week—a sequence where Andy attends a high-stakes runway show and crosses paths with fashion royalty. The moment was meant to mirror Andy’s evolution: no longer a wide-eyed assistant, but a peer moving through the same elite circles as Miranda.

But according to insiders, the scene "didn’t serve the pacing." Despite strong performances and authentic energy, the editorial team felt the moment slowed the third act. "It was iconic in theory," one crew member said. "But emotionally, it didn’t push Andy’s arc forward. It was more fan service than function."

Cutting Versace wasn’t taken lightly. Her presence would have been a meta-commentary on fashion’s power structures—a real-life icon interacting with a fictional titan. But in a script already rich with thematic weight, even star power must earn its place.

Why Cameos Matter in the World of Runway

Unlike typical blockbuster sequels that use cameos for shock value, The Devil Wears Prada 2 leverages them as world-building tools. The original film succeeded because its universe felt terrifyingly real—fashion wasn’t a backdrop, it was a character.

Cameos in the sequel follow that blueprint. They’re not random appearances; they’re curated endorsements of authenticity.

Take Anna Wintour, who famously inspired Miranda Priestly. While she didn’t appear in the first film, her ghost lingered in every frame. This time, the production has reportedly secured Anna Dello Russo, the flamboyant former editor-at-large of Vogue Japan, known for her theatrical runway presence. She’ll appear as a guest judge at a media gala—an event that forces Andy to confront her past with Runway.

Then there’s Chiara Ferragni, the Italian influencer-turned-entrepreneur, cast in a pivotal supporting role. She plays a digital media strategist hired to modernize Runway, creating tension with Miranda’s analog-era authority. Her inclusion isn’t just about reach—it’s thematic. She embodies the generational clash at the heart of the sequel.

Celebrities Confirmed or Strongly Rumored to Appear

While not every cameo made the final cut, several have been verified by production sources or spotted on set:

Emily Blunt’s appearance is particularly symbolic. Though she played Emily Charlton in the original, her cameo here is meta: she appears as a different character, a sharply dressed editor from a competing magazine. It’s a nod to her legacy in the franchise without breaking continuity.

Tom Ford, who made a brief appearance in the original as himself, returns—this time with dialogue. He’s seen advising Miranda on Runway’s digital transformation, a tense exchange that underscores the film’s core conflict: tradition vs. reinvention.

Adwoa Aboah’s role, while small, could resonate widely. As a real-life mental health and diversity advocate, her character challenges Andy on the ethical cost of media sensationalism—tying the personal to the political.

The Challenge of Balancing Real and Fictional Worlds

Including real celebrities in a narrative anchored by fictional characters is a tightrope walk. Get it wrong, and the film feels like a fashion promo reel. Get it right, and the world expands with credibility.

The original film pulled it off by keeping cameos subtle. Stephen Colbert, Stanley Tucci, and even Valentino made brief appearances—but as extensions of the universe, not distractions.

The sequel follows that model. For instance, Stella McCartney is rumored to appear in a charity auction scene, but only in the background—her presence felt through dialogue and wardrobe, not screen time.

One misstep early in development involved a proposed scene with Kim Kardashian. Early drafts suggested she’d play a social media magnate attempting to buy Runway. Test audiences reacted negatively—the moment felt forced, commercial, and tonally off. The scene was scrapped.

This shows the production team is listening. Not every big name belongs in this world, even if they dominate today’s cultural landscape.

What the Cut Versace Scene Tells Us About the Film’s Priorities

The removal of Donatella Versace’s cameo—however disappointing to fans—is actually a sign of disciplined storytelling.

In an era where franchises often overload on cameos (Fast & Furious, anyone?), The Devil Wears Prada 2 appears committed to narrative integrity. Every appearance must serve character or theme. The film isn’t trying to impress with a celebrity checklist; it’s trying to deepen our understanding of power, legacy, and reinvention.

Consider the pacing: the Paris Fashion Week sequence was already packed with emotional beats—Andy reconnecting with Nigel, Miranda making a cryptic power play, and the introduction of a new editorial rival. Adding Versace, while glamorous, risked diluting those moments.

The edit decision reflects a respect for the audience. It assumes viewers care more about Andy’s journey than spotting famous faces.

Practical Impact: How Cameos Shape Marketing and Reception

From a promotional standpoint, celebrity cameos are gold. They generate headlines, social media buzz, and industry attention. Studios often leak cameo details strategically to maintain momentum.

In this case, the fact that a star was cut—and that it was someone of Versace’s stature—has become a story in itself. Trade publications are picking up the angle. Fans are speculating. The mystery fuels engagement.

But there’s a risk: overhyping cameos can backfire. If audiences expect a parade of fashion legends and only see a few, disappointment follows.

The marketing team seems aware. Early trailers focus on character drama, not star turns. The tone is serious, introspective—closer to Succession than Zoolander.

Still, insiders confirm an extended cut may surface later—possibly on a streaming platform—with deleted scenes, including the Versace moment. That way, fans get their payoff, and the theatrical version stays tight.

Final Thoughts: Cameos as Cultural Commentary

The Devil Wears Prada 2 isn’t just a sequel. It’s a mirror held up to 18 years of change in media, fashion, and female power. The celebrity appearances aren’t just cameos—they’re annotations.

Each face represents a shift: the rise of influencers, the fall of print, the return of quiet luxury, the ongoing fight for diversity. When Chiara Ferragni debates Miranda about TikTok strategies, it’s not just dialogue—it’s a generational handoff.

And when a star like Donatella Versace is cut, it sends its own message: even icons must answer to the story.

For fans, the takeaway is clear—this isn’t nostalgia. It’s evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Donatella Versace really cut from The Devil Wears Prada 2? Multiple production sources confirm she filmed a scene that was later removed during editing for pacing and narrative focus.

Will Anna Wintour appear in the sequel? No official confirmation. However, her influence remains strong through Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Miranda Priestly.

Who is confirmed to have a cameo in the movie? Emily Blunt, Tom Ford, and Adwoa Aboah are confirmed; Chiara Ferragni has a supporting role.

Is Anne Hathaway returning for the sequel? Yes, Anne Hathaway reprises her role as Andy Sachs, now the protagonist navigating motherhood and media.

Why are celebrity cameos important in this film? They ground the fictional world in reality, reinforcing the authenticity of the fashion industry setting.

Will the cut scenes ever be released? Insiders suggest an extended or director’s cut could include deleted cameos, possibly via streaming.

How does the sequel handle the balance between real and fictional characters? It prioritizes narrative function over fame—real figures appear only when they advance the story or theme.