Lauren Weisberger, the author of the global phenomenon The Devil Wears Prada, is back with a new project, and it's got everyone talking. In an exclusive interview, Weisberger reveals the truth behind a potential third book in the series and teases a 'dark' new venture. Twenty years after her debut novel, Weisberger reflects on her journey and the impact of her creation.
A Full Circle Moment
Weisberger's journey began when she attended the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada in New York with her then-boyfriend, Mike, who is now her husband. She recalls, "For the first premiere, I said to Mike: 'This is way too early for you to be meeting my entire family and every single person in my work life. But I would really like for you to come.'" Thankfully, their relationship blossomed, and they now have two teenagers. A fittingly full-circle moment occurred when her daughter carried a Prada bag, given to Weisberger by her former boss, Anna Wintour, while working at Vogue.
The Power of Adaptation
Weisberger's characters, inspired by her time as an assistant to Wintour, have come to life through the performances of Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, and Emily Blunt. She describes the experience as surreal, stating, "It’s not something I take for granted, but more than that, it's not something that ever feels normal. I created the characters in the novel and then [the actresses] gave them their voices, their faces, and their characteristics. It’s amazing to see it all come together."
Unpredictable Success
When asked about her initial thoughts on the novel's success, Weisberger admits, "I never imagined the phenomenon I would create. There was no masterplan or thought when I wrote the book. What has happened has been incredible."
Despite writing a sequel, Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns, Weisberger acknowledges that the new film is not based on that story, which relieved some pressure. She humorously adds, "For the record, I think the new movie is terrific. But I created this world, and if [the sequel] ended up being a horrible disaster, it’s not my fault."
Never Say Never
The question of a third book in the series remains open. Weisberger playfully responds, "I don't know. I guess never say never." However, she is set to publish a new novel next year, titled [Redacted], which explores the dark side of celebrity and its potential to ruin lives. Weisberger's interest in this theme is intriguing, given the success and cultural impact of The Devil Wears Prada.
Timeless Appeal
When asked about the enduring appeal of her work, Weisberger attributes it to universal themes. She explains, "The themes we talk about – that fish-out-of-water feeling, and having dreams about what you want your life to look like and then wondering if it's what you wanted – is a universal feeling. I think that's timeless."
As Weisberger continues to explore new projects, her fans eagerly await her next move, knowing that her unique perspective and storytelling prowess will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
