The first reactions to prada began surfacing after press screenings over the last week, giving an early look at the sequel before its worldwide release on May 1. The film held its world premiere at Lincoln Center in New York City on April 20, then continued its promo run with events in London, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and Milan. Critics’ full reviews remain under embargo until April 29, but the early chatter is already building around the return of the core cast.
Early buzz builds around prada
The sequel brings back Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, with David Frankel returning to direct and Aline Brosh McKenna back as screenwriter. The story follows Miranda and Andy as they try to bring Runway Magazine back to relevance in the digital media age, with Emily now positioned as a power broker at a luxury fashion house. Justin Theroux and Oscar winner Kenneth Branagh join the cast as Emily’s boyfriend and Miranda’s new husband, while Simone Ashley, Lucy Liu, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, Pauline Chalamet, B. J. Novak, Conrad Ricamora, and Rachel Bloom also appear.
One early reaction posted after a screening called the sequel a film that “hits home for journalists” because of its commentary on media, adding that it is filled with callbacks and is “a total treat” to see the cast return. Another early response said it would be hard to imagine fans of the original being disappointed, describing the sequel as funny, charming, and full of heartwarming payoffs.
The cast reunion is doing heavy lifting
The long gap between the two films has become part of the story around the release. The original became a major pop-culture hit after earning $327 million globally, and the sequel now leans on that memory while updating the stakes for a faster-moving media landscape.
The promotional rollout has been unusually broad, with premieres and appearances stretching across several major cities. That global push has kept prada in constant view ahead of its theatrical launch, even before critics publish full reviews.
What the first reactions suggest
The first wave of response points to a sequel that is trying to balance nostalgia with current relevance. The early comments focus on the chemistry of the returning ensemble, the familiar tone, and the film’s media-world jokes, all of which seem designed to reward viewers who remember the first film closely.
For now, prada is in the narrow window between premiere excitement and full critical reaction. With the embargo set to lift on April 29 and the film opening worldwide on May 1, the next stage will show whether the first reactions match the broader response once more viewers get in.
