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Simone Ashley has joined The Devil Wears Prada 2 in a pivotal role that brings fresh energy to the iconic fashion sequel. The Bridgerton star plays Amari Mari, Miranda Priestly’s current first assistant, in the film releasing May 1, 2026. Ashley’s casting marks a significant moment in her career as she enters the high-stakes world of Runway magazine alongside Meryl Streep.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Role: Amari Mari, Miranda Priestly’s first assistant at Runway magazine
- Cast Announcement: Ashley was revealed as part of the ensemble cast in July 2025, joining new cast members Lucy Liu and Justin Theroux
- Film Release: May 1, 2026 in US theaters via 20th Century Studios
- Premiere: The film premiered April 20, 2026, at Lincoln Center in New York City
Simone Ashley Joins Fashion’s Biggest Ensemble
29-year-old British actress Simone Ashley brings her star power to The Devil Wears Prada 2 as the movie reunites the original cast. Ashley’s character, Amari Mari, serves as Miranda’s devoted first assistant in the new chapter. The role showcases Ashley’s ability to hold her own alongside legendary actors like Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt. Director David Frankel leads the film with a screenplay by Aline Brosh McKenna, the original writer.
Ashley completed her filming scenes on October 17, 2025, wrapping up her involvement in the highly anticipated sequel. The news of her casting excited fans who have followed her trajectory from Bridgerton to becoming a key player in this major Hollywood production.
Simone Ashley stars in The Devil Wears Prada 2 alongside Meryl Streep, releases May 2026
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From Bridgerton to the Runway
The Bridgerton star has experienced meteoric career growth in recent years. Ashley rocketed to fame after her breakthrough role in season three of Netflix’s beloved period drama series, where she played Kate Sharma. Her chemistry with co-star Nicol Bulley captivated audiences worldwide. The British actress has also appeared in films like Picture This and F1 The Movie in 2025.
Her transition to Hollywood’s biggest franchises demonstrates her expanding influence in the entertainment industry. The casting in The Devil Wears Prada 2 represents a milestone for Ashley, placing her at the center of a film that will attract massive global attention.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 Cast and Production Details
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | May 1, 2026 |
| Director | David Frankel |
| Platform | Theatrical release via 20th Century Studios |
| Running Time | 119 minutes (1 hour 59 minutes) |
Principal photography took place from June 30 to October 20, 2025, with filming split between Manhattan and Milan. The production brought the entire cast and crew to iconic fashion capitals to authentically capture Runway magazine’s glamorous world. Ashley’s involvement in the Milan sequences added to the film’s sophisticated European backdrop.
“The Devil Wears Prada 2 had its premiere at the Lincoln Center in New York City on April 20, 2026, with the event being live-streamed on Disney and Hulu.”
Source: Wikipedia, The Devil Wears Prada 2
Breaking Records as Fashion Sequel Dominates Pre-Release Buzz
The marketing campaign for The Devil Wears Prada 2 has shattered records. The first teaser trailer earned 181.5 million views in just 24 hours, making it the most-viewed comedy trailer in 15 years. The first full trailer recorded 222 million views within 24 hours, which 20th Century Studios described as the most-viewed trailer in the studio’s history.
Ashley’s presence in promotional materials helped generate excitement among audiences worldwide. A Lady Gaga original song, titled Runway, accompanies the trailer and was released on April 9, 2026. The film carries a PG-13 rating and promises returning characters alongside fresh faces.
What to Expect from Simone Ashley in the Sequel?
As Miranda Priestly’s first assistant, Simone Ashley takes on a role that parallels the original assistants from the 2006 film. Her character stands at the center of Runway magazine’s operations while the story unfolds. The film reunites Meryl Streep as Miranda with Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs, who returns to the magazine as Features Editor, and Emily Blunt as Emily Charlton, now head of a luxury brand.
Ashley joins an all-star ensemble including Stanley Tucci, Justin Theroux, Kenneth Branagh, Lucy Liu, Rachel Bloom, and Patrick Brammall. Cameo appearances from Lady Gaga, Donatella Versace, and Ciara add to the film’s star-studded appeal. Will Ashley’s character navigate office politics in Miranda’s shadow, or will she emerge as a surprising breakout role?
Sources
- Wikipedia – Comprehensive production and cast details for The Devil Wears Prada 2
- IMDb – Official cast list and film specifications
- Deadline Hollywood – Breaking news on Simone Ashley’s casting announcement
