Even one of the biggest movie stars in the world hears the word “no” occasionally. Dwayne Johnson recently shared the story of how he tried, and failed, to secure a role in The Devil Wears Prada 2. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Johnson explained that he pitched himself directly to Emily Blunt while they were working on a different project. He hoped to join the cast of the beloved franchise’s sequel, which is currently generating significant buzz ahead of its 2026 release.
Johnson’s concept for his character was simple yet entertaining: a man who was effortlessly cool and knowledgeable about the fashion industry. The conversation between him and Blunt quickly turned to the physical demands of such a role, specifically the footwear. When Blunt mentioned heels, Johnson jokingly agreed to squeeze into size 15s. It was a moment of levity that highlighted how much fun the two actors have working together, even if this specific collaboration wasn’t meant to be.
Blunt later confirmed the story, noting that Johnson genuinely “tried” to get into the film. She also added a complimentary joke about how good he looked in heels, a callback to their on-set banter. However, the film’s direction, led by returning director David Frankel, remained focused on the core narrative involving Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Blunt, leaving no room for Johnson’s proposed fashionista.
Despite not getting the part, Johnson remained engaged with the production process. He spoke about receiving videos from Blunt while she was on location in New York City. These clips showed the massive crowds and the excitement on the streets, which Johnson described as “wild.” It served as a testament to the cultural longevity of the 2003 novel adaptation, which first premiered nearly twenty years ago.
Fans can expect to see The Devil Wears Prada 2 in theaters on May 1, 2026. While it won’t feature Dwayne Johnson in high heels, it will undoubtedly bring back the sharp wit and high fashion that made the first installment a classic. Johnson’s story remains a funny “what if” scenario that fans of both the actor and the movie can enjoy.