Adrian Grenier will not be reprising his role as Nate Cooper in the upcoming sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, according to a new report.
The actor, best known for his role in Entourage, played the well-meaning but somewhat bumbling college boyfriend-turned-Boston sous-chef to Andy Sachs (played by Anne Hathaway) in the original 2006 film.
No Return for Nate in The Devil Wears Prada 2
Grenier’s character, Nate, was a source of tension for Andy in the first film, as he often criticized her demanding career in the fashion world. Despite being a key part of Andy’s early journey, Nate and Andy eventually break up when she prioritizes work over his birthday celebration.
This turning point left many fans and even Grenier himself reconsidering Nate’s role in the story, with some even labeling him as the “true villain” of the film.
As confirmed by Entertainment Weekly, Grenier will not return for The Devil Wears Prada 2. The sequel, announced on June 30, has already begun production and will see the return of original stars such as Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci.
Director David Frankel and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna are also set to return, with Kenneth Branagh reportedly joining the cast.
Grenier’s Reflection on Nate Cooper’s Character
In a 2021 reunion oral history, Grenier admitted that, after much reflection, he came to understand that his character Nate might be seen as the villain of the story, especially in the eyes of fans who found his criticisms of Andy’s career ambitions rather selfish.
Grenier shared, “All those memes that came out were shocking to me. It hadn’t occurred to me until I started to really think about it… perhaps it was because I was as immature as Nate was at the time.”
He continued, acknowledging that Nate’s inability to support Andy during her career pursuits and his self-centered attitude were flaws that he hadn’t fully recognized at the time. “At the end of the day, it’s just a birthday, right? It’s not the end of the world,” he said. “But after time to reflect and much deliberation, I’ve come to realize the truth in that perspective.”
What to Expect in The Devil Wears Prada 2
While a release date for The Devil Wears Prada 2 has yet to be announced, reports indicate the film is expected to hit theaters on May 1, 2026. The sequel will likely continue to explore Andy’s career and life post-Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep) and may feature more of the fashion world’s high stakes.
For now, it looks like Nate will remain a character of the past as The Devil Wears Prada 2 prepares to bring back beloved faces from the first film, though some new cast additions will surely keep things exciting.
