The much-awaited sequel, 'The Devil Wears Prada 2,' is already making waves—not just for its nostalgic return and box office success, but for an unexpected creative twist. After it was discovered that the artwork was actually made by a human artist, a popular "AI-generated" meme depicting Meryl Streep's iconic Miranda Priestly has provoked discussions on the internet. The revelation has added a fascinating layer to the film's commentary on technology, creativity, and the evolving media landscape.
A Blockbuster Return With Massive Buzz
'The Devil Wears Prada 2' has returned with a powerful blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling, nearly two decades after the first film. Reuniting celebrities like Stanley Tucci, Emily Blunt, and Anne Hathaway, the follow-up explores the evolving fashion media landscape, which is now controlled by digital platforms and AI-driven trends. According to early figures, the movie has already made over $200 million worldwide, indicating its enormous box office appeal and audience enthusiasm.
Image Courtesy: People
The plot centers on business rivalries, digital disruption, and power dynamics as Runway magazine battles to remain relevant in a quickly changing industry. The film also features a range of celebrity cameos and updated fashion moments, making it a cultural event beyond just cinema. Amid all the glitz, one sight in particular drew viewers' attention: a stylized meme of Miranda Priestly that was clearly AI-generated. Viewers debated whether the movie had relied too heavily on AI-generated images to communicate its message as it swiftly went viral.
The Viral "AI" Meme That Wasn't AI After All
The buzz intensified when it was revealed that the viral meme wasn't AI-generated at all. Rather, the production had employed artist Alexis Franklin to produce the artwork by hand, purposefully creating it to resemble the flawed, overly stylized appearance sometimes connected with AI graphics.
Franklin then clarified that her goal was to produce an artificial-looking product without actually using AI capabilities. "Absolutely no disrespect to Queen Meryl, but this is something I would've painted in my free time, so when they asked me to do this it was nothing but fun," Franklin wrote in an Instagram post. She said that "The Devil Wears Prada" director David Frankel asked to commission her for the piece.
Image Courtesy: HungamaExpress
Although replicating AI wasn't her main goal, she claimed to be "trying to make it look artificial." The result was so convincing that audiences initially assumed it was machine-generated, sparking widespread discussion online. Franklin's post, which included a time lapse of her artistic process, accrued hundreds of comments praising her work as well as the film's decision to hire a human artist for the project.
The film skillfully blurs the boundaries between human creativity and technology by commissioning a real artist to create AI-style work, while at the same time quietly emphasizing the importance of artistic talent.
A Clever Commentary on AI and Creativity
The choice to employ "AI art" created by humans is a natural fit with the movie's larger themes of digital disruption and flexibility. Runway magazine struggles with tech-driven change in the story, such as the emergence of AI in media and fashion. The meme becomes more than just a visual joke as a result of this real-world creative decision, which reflects that story and contributes to the film's deeper message. Overall, the revelation has given viewers an additional level of appreciation.
Image Courtesy: Deadline
What appeared to be a straightforward, fashionable addition was actually a well-considered creative decision. It also draws attention to a developing trend in Hollywood: directors are experimenting with AI aesthetics while continuing to rely on human ingenuity in the background.
Moments like this are making 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' stand out as it continues its successful theatrical run—not just as a sequel, but as a movie that captures the present cultural dialogue.
Whether through its storytelling, performances, or this unexpected art twist, the film proves that sometimes, the most "artificial" things can still be deeply human.
