“The Devil Wears Prada 2” has stormed the box office, generating an impressive $32.5 million on its first Friday in North America. Industry projections indicate a domestic opening weekend haul between $75 million and $80 million. This highly anticipated sequel has already garnered over $114 million worldwide, building on the cultural phenomenon established by the original film nearly two decades ago. The film’s strong performance underscores the significant influence of female audiences in today’s cinematic landscape.

The film’s opening day success, which surpassed the entire opening weekend of its predecessor, demonstrates its immense appeal. On Thursday previews alone, it earned $10 million, placing it among the top-performing female-led films. This impressive start comes at a time when the summer box office traditionally sees superhero blockbusters or action franchises dominate. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” defies this trend, proving that a character-driven narrative with a strong female cast can command widespread attention and commercial success.

Critics and audiences alike have embraced the film, with positive reviews and strong exit polls, reflected in an A- CinemaScore. A key factor in its popularity is the return of the beloved original cast members. Meryl Streep reprises her iconic role as the formidable fashion magazine editor, joined by Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt. The continuity extends behind the scenes as well, with David Frankel returning to direct and Aline Brosh McKenna contributing to the screenplay, ensuring the sequel maintains the spirit and charm of the first movie.

The global reception has been equally enthusiastic, with “Prada 2” achieving the highest opening day of any film this year in several international markets, including Brazil and Italy. This worldwide success highlights the enduring popularity of the franchise and its characters, resonating with viewers across different cultures. Meanwhile, other films like the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” are also breaking records, having crossed the $300 million mark and becoming the highest-grossing music biopic of all time, surpassing “Walk the Line” and “Elvis.”

The remarkable box office performance of “The Devil Wears Prada 2” marks a significant moment for the film industry, challenging traditional summer blockbuster expectations and showcasing the power of a compelling story with a returning ensemble. Its strong domestic and international earnings solidify its position as a major cinematic event, demonstrating the continued appeal of well-crafted narratives and beloved characters to a diverse global audience.