Screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, known for her work on the original The Devil Wears Prada, has returned for the sequel, bringing a fresh perspective on workplace dynamics in the age of AI. In an interview, she shared insights into creating the film's tech bro villains and the enduring theme of work.
The Inspiration Behind the Villains
McKenna crafted two antagonist tech entrepreneurs: Justin Theroux's Benji Barnes, who aims to replace journalists with AI, and B.J. Novak's Jay Ravitz, a nepo baby heir to a publishing firm. Despite rumors linking Barnes to Jeff Bezos, McKenna denied the connection, emphasizing that the character is a composite of many real-life tech figures. “People who work in tech... there’s really a lot of odd folks,” she said, noting the unsettling slickness of both characters.
Work as a Central Theme
The film explores how work defines individuals, with Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly delivering a memorable line: “I just love working. Don’t you?” McKenna explained that Streep ad-libbed the line, changing it from “I love my job” to “I love to work,” which perfectly encapsulates the movie’s core message about joy in labor. The script also tackles tensions between ambition and meaningful journalism versus click-driven content.
Deleted Scenes and Future Plans
A subplot featuring Andy Sachs fangirling in Milan was cut, as McKenna deemed it unnecessary. Regarding a potential third film, she remained tight-lipped but hinted at having the characters’ fates mapped out. “Do I know what happens to Miranda? Of course! But I’m not gonna tell you anything,” she teased.
The sequel has been a viral success, leaving McKenna exhilarated. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is now in theaters.
