A discreet hooded appearance on the Devil Wears Prada 2 set ignites speculation about Sydney Sweeney’s unconfirmed role amid ongoing controversy

8 August 2025

The Aug. 6, 2025 photo believed to be Sydney Sweeney on the film set. Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Sydney Sweeney was quietly spotted on the New York City set of The Devil Wears Prada 2 on August 6, and although neither her team nor the film’s studio has confirmed her involvement the sighting has set off a wave of speculation in Hollywood circles. The actress was seen donning an oversized hoodie pulled low over her face and spotless sweatpants as she emerged from a trailer near Emily Blunt, and this subtle appearance, captured by onlookers and TMZ, was enough to fan the flames of casting rumors surrounding the high-profile sequel.

The sequel reunites much of the original cast Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci all returning under director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna, and this brings heightened attention to any newcomer on set.

Alongside these returning stars, the production has officially added a bevy of fresh names to the ensemble including Kenneth Branagh, Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, Simone Ashley, Pauline Chalamet, Rachel Bloom, and others. While the inclusion of Sweeney remains unverified, her stealthy on-set appearance alongside Blunt fed both curiosity and chatter about whether she might be taking on a cameo or a more substantial role.

At the same time Sweeney continues to generate publicity and controversy for her recent American Eagle ad campaign featuring the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.” With its pun on “genes” the campaign sparked widespread discussion about underlying implications and provoked debate over whether it veered into sensitive cultural territory. While the fashion brand defended itself by framing the message as inclusive and focused solely on denim confidence, the conversation has nevertheless persisted in the entertainment sphere.

Fans and critics alike have responded strongly to Sweeney’s presence on the sequel’s production site. On one hand, some were thrilled at the prospect of her joining the Prada universe, imagining a youthful energy injected into the narrative. On the other hand, some voiced resistance, citing concern that her involvement could be distracting amid her ongoing ad-related controversy.

The plot of The Devil Wears Prada 2 is said to continue the story of Miranda Priestly—Meryl Streep’s iconic character as she faces the decline of traditional magazine publishing and wages battle for advertising dollars against Emily Blunt’s risen executive. The reunited ensemble and the film’s return to a fashion editorial backdrop have only fed anticipation for the sequel, now set to release in May 2026.

Sweeney’s film career continues to expand despite the controversy and uncertainty. Beyond the Prada sequel buzz she is continuing her Emmy-nominated role on Euphoria and is attached to two major upcoming projects: The Housemaid opposite Amanda Seyfried and a biopic portraying boxer Christy Martin roles she has described as immersive and transformative.

As production rolls forward this summer and filming continues across Manhattan, the truth behind Sweeney’s involvement in The Devil Wears Prada 2 remains in suspense. Was she truly cast or merely visiting the set? Will the studio respond to the swirling speculation? One thing is clear: her visit, coinciding with cultural conversations about her ad campaign, has only intensified the draw of this already captivating sequel.