Stanley Tucci revealed he decided to return for The devil wears Prada 2 because the sequel addresses the harsh reality of how AI and smartphones threaten the survival of traditional journalism.
Reprising his role as Nigel, the sharp-tongued artistic director of Track MagazineTucci explained that he was attracted to a storyline that went beyond “pretty costumes” to explore a substantial story about the disappearing need for in-depth content.
The actor noted that Nigel’s career has seen very little progress in the twenty years since the first film, as he remains fiercely dedicated to maintaining quality in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
In the sequel, which arrived in theaters on May 1, Nigel still works alongside Meryl Streep’s formidable Miranda Priestly.
Despite the scathing betrayal he suffered at her part in the original 2003 film, Tucci says the pair have managed to maintain what he describes as a “perfect symbiotic relationship.”
For the actor, the appeal of playing Nigel again lay in the character’s unwavering belief that the quality of his work is paramount, regardless of the modern obstacles that stand in the way of magazines and newspapers.
Tucci shared with The Hollywood Reporter that it was important to him that the project had meaning, echoing Meryl Streep’s own sentiments that he would only return for a meaningful story.
He appreciated that the film addressed the modern struggle of the industry rather than just being a frivolous fashion show.
Beyond the serious themes, Tucci admitted that he was eager to revisit Nigel’s subtle way of navigating the world, noting that the character plays things close to his chest and has a unique “peripheral vision” that makes him exceptional at his job.
Of course, the chance to showcase Nigel’s signature wit was also a major draw.
Tucci admitted that getting back into character and delivering these “sarcastic and kind of mean and funny lines” was just a lot of fun.
As Nigel navigates his relationships with Miranda’s Andy Sachs and Anne Hathaway two decades later, the film serves as a timely warning about the state of modern media while retaining the charm that made the original a classic.
