The Evolution of the Legacy Sequel: Why Some Characters Get Left Behind
In the modern cinematic landscape, the “legacy sequel” has become a powerhouse formula. The goal is simple: reunite a beloved cast, tap into deep-seated nostalgia, and update the story for a contemporary audience. However, as seen with the development of The Devil Wears Prada 2, returning to a world twenty years later isn’t as simple as signing a few contracts.
While core stars like Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and Anne Hathaway are returning to breathe fresh life into the franchise, other characters find themselves on the cutting room floor. This shift highlights a growing trend in Hollywood: the selective curation of nostalgia based on how characters have aged in the eyes of the public.
The ‘Villainization’ of the Supporting Partner
One of the most fascinating trends in current fan culture is the retrospective analysis of supporting characters. A prime example is Nate Cooper, played by Adrian Grenier. In the original 2006 film, Nate was the boyfriend struggling to maintain a relationship with Andy Sachs as her career soared.
Prompt forward to today, and the narrative has shifted. Adrian Grenier himself has acknowledged this evolution, admitting after reflecting on the public’s response that the character was “quite selfish and self-centered” and “wasn’t striving to support Andy in her career.”
This “villainization” is a common trend in legacy projects. When writers return to a story, they often align the character arcs with current social values. If a character’s behavior—which seemed acceptable at the time—now feels toxic or unsupportive, they are often sidelined to avoid alienating the modern viewer.
The Impact of Fan Discourse on Casting
The influence of social media and fan discourse now reaches the director’s chair. Grenier noted that the “controversy” surrounding Nate’s character likely played a role in his absence from the sequel. When a character becomes a meme for the wrong reasons, their inclusion can become a distraction from the main plot.
For directors like David Frankel, the challenge is balancing the desire for a “cameo” with the reality of the production schedule and the character’s current reputation. While Frankel expressed a desire to “sneak him into a cameo,” the tight production timeline ultimately made it impossible.
The Rise of the ‘Redemption Spin-Off’
While being cut from a main sequel can be a disappointment, it creates a new opportunity: the character-driven spin-off. Grenier suggested that his absence “leaves the door open to a magnificent spin-off in which Nate has his own movie.”
This reflects a broader industry trend where polarizing characters are extracted from the main franchise to explore their perspectives in a separate, lower-risk environment. By moving a controversial character to a spin-off, studios can:
- Explore nuance: Deepen the backstory of a character who was only a supporting player.
- Test the waters: See if the audience is actually interested in a “redemption arc” without risking the main film’s ratings.
- Monetize niche interest: Target the specific segment of the fanbase that enjoys “problematic” or complex character studies.
Self-Irony as a Branding Tool
In an era of extreme public scrutiny, the best way for an actor to handle a “disliked” character is through self-awareness. Grenier’s approach—including a humorous, self-ironic Starbucks commercial referencing his situation—is a masterclass in modern celebrity branding.
Director David Frankel praised this approach, noting the “humor and humility” of the move. By leaning into the joke, actors can pivot from being the face of a “selfish” character to being seen as a relatable, good-sport professional.
Future Outlook: The ‘Multiverse’ of Character Arcs
As we look toward the future of cinema, expect more “selective nostalgia.” We are entering an era where franchises will not just bring back everyone, but will strategically choose which characters fit the current cultural zeitgeist. Those who don’t fit the main narrative will likely find homes in limited series, digital shorts, or standalone redemption films.
For more insights on how legacy franchises are evolving, check out our guide on Modern Sequel Tropes or explore the latest in industry casting trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Adrian Grenier be in The Devil Wears Prada 2?
No. Director David Frankel stated that while a cameo was considered, there “wasn’t time” in the production schedule to make it happen.
Who is returning for the sequel?
The returning cast includes Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and Anne Hathaway.
Why was Nate Cooper excluded from the movie?
Beyond production timing, Adrian Grenier mentioned that the “controversy” and public perception of Nate as a “selfish” character may have influenced the decision.
Is there a Nate Cooper spin-off in development?
While not officially announced by the studio, Adrian Grenier has expressed that the current situation “leaves the door open” for a potential spin-off film.
What do you think?
Do you think Nate Cooper deserved a redemption arc, or was he right to be left out of the sequel? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into cinema trends!
