Adrian Grenier AKA ‘Nate’ Not A Part Of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2,’ Truth Behind His Absence

The Devil Wears Prada 2 arrived in theatres on May 1, 2026. The movie has opened to a positive response and is expected to create records at the box office. While it witnessed the return of most of the lead characters, one of them was missing in the sequel. The character is ‘Nate Cooper,’ played by Adrian Grenier in the first film, released back in 2006.

For the unversed, Grenier has been active in the entertainment industry since 1997. He has also been a part of various TV shows such as Entourage, Miles from Tomorrowland, and Clickbait. Keep reading to know more about the reasons behind Adrian’s absence in the new movie!

Adrian Grenier responded to his absence in The Devil Wears Prada 2

Photo credit: The Wrap

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is directed by David Frankel, who also directed the previous film in 2006. Back in March 2026, Adrian Grenier told PEOPLE that he spoke to David. Adrian even expressed his disappointment with the fact that he was not returning for the sequel. However, he stated that since his character, ‘Nate Cooper,’ is so controversial, it might need a spinoff.

Photo credit: 20th Century Fox

Adrian said that a lot of things can be explored about the character. He addressed ‘Nate’s’ behaviour in the previous film and the reactions emerging from it, saying that he can understand everyone’s sentiments. Grenier mentioned that he needs to support his character, and if people consider him the main antagonist of the movie, he is interested in seeing what the character can do beyond everything that he has done so far. Referring to ‘Nate’s’ behaviour with ‘Andy,’ Adrian said:

“One thing that I will say is, I did think that his reaction felt a little bit meek and weak, which was not attractive, and perhaps was not attractive to her, that he was wounded by her missing his birthday, as opposed to being clear about his expectations and his boundaries.”

Adrian Grenier has previously opened up about his character on another occasion

The reports of Adrian Grenier not returning as ‘Nate Cooper’ first emerged in June 2025. The news was first shared by Entertainment Weekly, citing two sources. However, the reasons behind the same were not disclosed. Notably, The Devil Wears Prada 2 entered production in the same period.

Adrian once appeared for an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2021, which was a reunion of the entire cast of The Devil Wears Prada. Grenier claimed at that time that he slowly realised that ‘Nate’ is the main villain of the movie. He referred to a few memes that were based on the topic, saying that the character was very selfish and self-involved. Adrian also addressed the fact that ‘Nate’ was not ready to support ‘Andy.’ He further stated:

“At the end of the day, it’s just a birthday, right? It’s not the end of the world. I might’ve been as immature as him at the time, so I personally couldn’t see his shortcomings. But after time to reflect and much deliberation, I’ve come to realise the truth in that perspective.”

Photo credit: adriangrenier/Instagram

What are your thoughts about Adrian Grenier’s absence in The Devil Wears Prada 2? Let us know.

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