Fashion Forward: The Rock Wanted to Play a “Cool” Fashion Insider in Prada Sequel

Dwayne Johnson is known for saving the world in disaster movies and dominating the wrestling ring, but he recently set his sights on a very different kind of arena: the high-stakes world of fashion journalism. In a recent interview, Johnson opened up about his desire to play a “cool” character who “knew fashion” in the upcoming The Devil Wears Prada 2. He felt he could bring a unique flavor to the ensemble cast, which features returning powerhouses Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.
The pitch occurred casually while Johnson was filming The Smashing Machine, a biopic about Mark Kerr, with Prada star Emily Blunt. Johnson saw an opening and told Blunt he wanted to be part of the sequel. The role he envisioned wasn’t just a walk-on cameo; he wanted to embody someone who truly belonged in that stylish universe. It would have been a significant departure from his typical typecasting, offering a chance to display his range in a genre he rarely touches.
The biggest hurdle—or perhaps the funniest hypothetical—was the wardrobe. Emily Blunt noted that the character profile Johnson was interested in would likely require wearing heels. Johnson embraced the challenge immediately, declaring he was ready for “size 15 heels.” Blunt supported his enthusiasm with humor, joking about how “hot” he would look, but ultimately, the casting directors did not take him up on the offer.
While Johnson won’t be strutting down the halls of Runway magazine, he did get a glimpse of the mania surrounding the sequel. He recounted how Blunt sent him videos from the set in New York, where she was waiting to film scenes. He described the atmosphere on the streets as “wild,” comparing the fan reaction to the hysteria usually reserved for major pop stars.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is set for a theatrical release on May 1, 2026. Directed by David Frankel, who also helmed the 2006 original, the film promises to continue the story of Andy Sachs and Emily Charlton. Although Johnson’s pitch for a high-heeled fashion expert was rejected, the anecdote adds a layer of behind-the-scenes charm to the production’s history.