‘Devil Wears Prada 2’ Director Finally Addresses Adrian Grenier’s Absence

The question fans have been asking ever since “The Devil Wears Prada 2” was announced finally has an answer — and it comes straight from the director.

David Frankel is opening up about why Adrian Grenier — who played Nate Cooper in the original 2006 film — doesn’t appear in the highly anticipated sequel.

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And according to Frankel, the decision wasn’t about story — it was about timing.

“I had an idea about sneaking him into a cameo, and in the end, it was just too late in our production schedule to make it happen,” he explained.

With the film already completed ahead of its May 1 release, there ultimately wasn’t room to bring Grenier back — even in a small role.

The sequel reunites key cast members including Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, marking a full-circle return for much of the original ensemble.

Adrian Grenier Already Weighed In

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Grenier hasn’t stayed silent about his absence — and his response has been notably candid.

Speaking previously, the actor acknowledged that not getting the call was disappointing, but said he understands why it may have happened.

“Obviously, it was a disappointment that I didn’t get the call to be in the sequel, but I also understand there’s some backlash with Nate, the character, so that might have something to do with it,” he shared.

Still, he made it clear there’s no tension behind the scenes.

Grenier added that he “of course” would have loved to return alongside his former co-stars, but emphasized that he isn’t holding onto any resentment.

Why Nate Still Sparks Debate Years Later

Nearly two decades after the original film, Nate remains one of its most talked-about characters.

In “The Devil Wears Prada,” Andy Sachs’ relationship with Nate begins to fracture as her career at Runway magazine intensifies under Miranda Priestly’s demanding leadership.

In recent years, fans have revisited that dynamic — with many questioning whether Nate was truly supportive of Andy’s ambitions or if he was simply being an unsupportive boyfriend.

Grenier himself has even acknowledged those criticisms, noting in past interviews that Nate wasn’t “perfect.”

Could He Return in the Future?

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While he didn’t make the sequel, Grenier hasn’t ruled out revisiting the character.

“We’re all fans of the movie, whether or not we’re in it,” he said.

His absence from “The Devil Wears Prada 2” may close one chapter — but it could leave the door open for future stories involving Nate.

For now, though, the sequel moves forward without him — even as fans continue to debate the character’s place in the franchise.

The highly-anticipated “The Devil Wears Prada 2” is set to hit U.S. theaters on May 1, 2026.

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