The Devil Wears Prada 2 is facing mounting backlash across East Asia, with some online users calling for a boycott of the highly anticipated sequel just days before its theatrical debut.
The controversy centres on a Chinese assistant character portrayed by Chinese-American actress Helen J Shen, whose brief appearance in a promotional clip has sparked accusations of racial stereotyping.
20th Century Studios uploaded the footage to its social media channels on April 16, triggering an immediate wave of criticism that has since been viewed millions of times.
The film, which reunites Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, is set for release on May 1.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is facing mounting backlash across East Asia
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Critics have taken aim at multiple aspects of the character’s depiction.
Several social media users argue that her name sounds phonetically similar to a historically racist term once used in Western countries to demean Chinese immigrant workers during the 19th century.
Hong Kong’s Oriental Daily News, as reported by The Korea Herald, described the phrase as “a symbolic racist slur” that conveys “contempt and discomfort towards Chinese accents and intonation”.
The character’s styling has also drawn criticism.
Some social media users are calling for a boycott of the film
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In the clip, she wears a buttoned-up striped shirt with a checked skirt and spectacles while listing her Yale education and 3.86 grade point average.
This is a portrayal many have labelled a tired “nerdy bookworm” trope.
Posts accusing the filmmakers of “blatant anti-Asian racism” have circulated widely across social media platforms.
“Child-like dress, glasses, overqualified, Ivy League credentials and at top of her game yet obsequious and insecure of her competency: these are not Asian American stereotypes, they’re white women’s fantasies,” one user wrote on X.
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The film is set for release on May 1st
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Another described the portrayal as “stereotype-riddled discrimination: an awkward Asian woman who’s a bespectacled, communication-impaired type who, upon first meeting, immediately starts bragging about her Yale degree and GPA”.
“Hollywood is so out of touch it’s embarrassing. It’s 2026 and THIS is your Asian rep? The name, styling, whole look. Lazy stereotypes,” a third added.
Some observers have pointed to a disconnect between the film’s marketing and its on-screen representation.
The studio enlisted K-pop star Ms Jang Won Young of Ive for promotional material alongside Ms Streep and Ms Hathaway, despite criticism of what some describe as an “understated, stereotypical Asian character” in the film itself.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 trailer
|20th Century Studios
South Korean-American director Mr Joseph Kahn offered a contrasting view, arguing the character’s outfit is “actually very couture in a film about fashion”.
Writing on X, he suggested the portrayal reflects “typical Gen Z neurodivergency” rather than an Asian stereotype.
GB has contacted 20th Century Studios for comment.
The star chatted with the fan who appeared to hand her the gift | @FilmUpdates / XThe controversy comes days after Ms Hathaway was handed a copy of the Koran at the film’s London premiere following backlash over her use of the phrase “Inshallah” in an interview.
Footage of the exchange quickly went viral, with social media users divided over the gesture.
Some praised the moment as “wholesome”, while others criticised the actress, accusing her of being out of touch.
Ms Hathaway had used the phrase, meaning “God willing”, while discussing her hopes for the future.