Why isn’t Adrian Grenier coming back for The Devil Wears Prada 2? The actor himself just revealed the answer—and it has to do with how audiences reacted to his character back in 2006.
Grenier, who played Nate, Andy’s supportive chef boyfriend in the original film, recently opened up about not getting the call for the sequel. He believes the backlash surrounding his character’s storyline is why he’s being left out of the project.
What Happened to Nate in the First Film
In the 2006 classic, Nate represented Andy’s connection to her old life before she got consumed by the fashion world. He was the good guy—patient, caring, and completely supportive of her career ambitions. But here’s the thing: by the end of the film, Andy essentially chooses her job over him, walking away to pursue her fashion dreams in Paris.
That ending didn’t sit well with many viewers. Audiences felt Nate got the short end of the stick. He was portrayed sympathetically, yet he ended up alone while Andy got to have it all in the glamorous fashion industry.
The Sequel Plans Without Grenier
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is happening, and Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt are all returning to the fold. But Grenier’s absence is becoming more noticeable—and now we know why.
According to Grenier, the filmmakers likely decided to sidestep the whole Nate situation entirely. Bringing him back would mean addressing what happened to him, or potentially redoing storylines that fans already felt bad about.
It’s a smart creative choice in some ways. The sequel can focus on Andy’s current life in fashion without having to resolve messy relationship baggage from the first film.
Still, Grenier seems understanding about the decision, even if it stings a bit. He’s not bitter—just honest about how audience reaction shapes Hollywood’s choices.
This is a reminder of how powerful viewer feedback has become in the streaming and social media age. One character’s arc that didn’t sit right with audiences nearly two decades ago is apparently still influencing casting decisions today.
As The Devil Wears Prada 2 moves forward without Nate, fans will likely wonder whether Andy’s personal life gets any screen time at all, or if the sequel focuses entirely on her rise in the fashion world.