Too many remakes from old classics? I wasn't born when they were made and I can't wait to see them all

A sequel for The Devil Wears Prada has been announced almost 20 years after the original film. Two of the film's major stars, Meryl Streep (L) and Anne Hathaway, are pictured at a photocall for the film in 2006. Photo by Getty Images. | Getty Images

Social media is alive with debate about whether newly announced sequels to old films are worthwhile or even appropriate but I say bring it on ...

2024 has undoubtedly been the ‘romcom revival year’ with Anyone But You taking social media by storm and reaching a whopping $220 million in the box office, followed by iconic films such as Four Weddings and a Funeral, and the Bridget Jones series.

So, it’s unsurprising that film producers are jumping on the bandwagon, choosing this year to bring back old classics by announcing The Devil Wears Prada sequel in addition to Bridget Jones 4. While some are excited about the resurgence of their favourite films, others want new material and choose to veer away from these so-called ‘outdated’ romcoms. Why wait 18 years for a Devil Wears Prada sequel? Of course, I wish they did it sooner, but it hasn’t stopped me from getting excited.

I’m all for new romcoms but whenever I decide to try one on Netflix I’m often underwhelmed or get too much second-hand embarrassment (I’m talking to you Love in the Villa). I can’t wait for the classics to come back.

What’s great about these films is that almost everyone recognises them from the golden age’ of romcoms in the 2000s, regardless of generational divides. In my sixth form, we have Film Club one lunchtime a week. It is essentially a great excuse to watch a movie and we recently watched The Devil Wears Prada. Unsurprisingly, we all loved it. We shared almost as much enthusiasm as Emily Blunt’s husband John Krasinski who claims he has watched it more than 70 times. His wife plays Emily Charlton in the film but even I think 70 times might be OTT.

People have shared their enthusiasm on X, formerly Twitter, with one writing: ‘’A Devil Wears Prada sequel would actually be the best thing to happen to me’.” And a TikTok regarding the Bridget Jones sequel declared it the ‘best news ever’. It’s great to see so much excitement and anticipation for these timeless films even though they were released roughly 20 years ago.

Some fans are disgruntled that Colin Firth will not be returning to the Bridget Jones series, meaning that the beloved Mark Darcy will not feature in it, which just proves their passion two decades on. There is speculation that Anne Hathaway also isn’t returning to The Devil Wears Prada sequel - cue more outcry. But this hasn’t stopped most of the star- studded cast from signing up to both films, with names such as Hugh Grant, Renee Zellweger, Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt set to dazzle once again.

Sure, they can be cheesy, clichéd and a little cringe but we all need a bit of this escapism sometimes. So, lets stop being overly critical, have some popcorn and get rewatching The Devil Wears Prada and Bridget Jones before the sequels come out next year.

Too many remakes from old classic films? I wasn't born when they were made and I can't wait to see them all

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