The Devil Wears Prada 2 Has Already Taken More Money than the First Movie After only 10 Days

Why It Matters

The sequel’s rapid box‑office surge signals robust demand for legacy franchises, prompting studios to prioritize sequel development and international market strategies. Its performance also reshapes the 2024 revenue hierarchy, influencing investor confidence in similar mid‑budget adaptations.

Key Takeaways

• $433.2M worldwide in 10 days, surpassing original’s $326.7M
• 44% second‑weekend drop, still $43M US, $75M overseas
• International earnings $288M; UK and Italy $28M each
• Rotten Tomatoes 78% rating, higher than first film
• Director hints at possible third installment

Pulse Analysis

The Devil Wears Prada 2’s box‑office trajectory is a textbook case of a sequel capitalizing on nostalgia while delivering fresh appeal. Its $233 million opening weekend placed it as the second‑largest debut of the year, and a relatively modest 44% second‑weekend decline kept momentum alive. By the ten‑day mark, the film’s $433.2 million global haul not only eclipsed the original’s $326.7 million total but also vaulted it into the top five earners of 2024, trailing only blockbuster titles like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Project Hail Mary. This rapid accumulation underscores how legacy IPs can dominate revenue charts when paired with strategic release windows and strong marketing.

International markets have been pivotal to the sequel’s success, contributing $288 million of the total gross. The United Kingdom and Italy each delivered $28 million, while emerging markets such as Brazil ($22 million) and Mexico ($20 million) added meaningful volume. This geographic spread reflects a broader industry trend where studios increasingly rely on non‑U.S. territories to boost profitability, especially as domestic saturation grows. The film’s modernized fashion‑industry setting resonates across cultures, translating into robust overseas ticket sales that offset the typical domestic dip after opening weekend.

Critical reception and audience enthusiasm are fueling speculation about a third installment. With a 78% Rotten Tomatoes score—slightly higher than the 75% of the 2006 original—the sequel has proven it can satisfy both critics and fans. Director David Frankel’s recent comments suggest he is open to revisiting the franchise sooner than the two‑decade gap that separated the first two films. In an era where studios chase franchise extensions, the combination of strong box‑office numbers, favorable reviews, and a willing creative team positions The Devil Wears Prada 3 as a likely next chapter, potentially shaping future investment decisions in sequel‑driven portfolios.