Anna Wintour, the Vogue editor-in-chief and the real-life inspiration for Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, was notably absent from the sequel's cameo list. Despite filming a scene, it was cut after she missed her cue, and director David Frankel did not dare ask for a second take. This absence, however, may be for the best, as Wintour's mystique relies on her unknowability.
The Cameo Conundrum
The sequel boasts a star-studded lineup including Lady Gaga, Donatella Versace, Naomi Campbell, and others. Yet, fans hoped for Wintour's appearance, given her recent thawing toward the film. She appeared on a Vogue cover with Meryl Streep and spoke fondly of the movie, sparking speculation. But her scene was cut, preserving her enigmatic aura.
Why Less Is More
Wintour's power lies in her distance. A cameo would risk turning her into a caricature, undermining the film's homage. As Hollywood history shows, well-placed cameos enhance a film, while bad ones can derail it. Ed Sheeran's brief, wooden appearance in Game of Thrones is a cautionary tale.
The Best Cameo Ever?
Ironically, the funniest cameo—Marshall McLuhan in Annie Hall—breaks all rules: it's unnecessary, disruptive, and wooden, yet it works. Its withering put-down feels Wintour-ish, proving that sometimes, absence is the best cameo of all.
