‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ hits Tel Aviv early as culture makes a comeback

Tel Aviv leaned all the way into fashion Tuesday night as Israel hosted an early premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2 at Lev Cinema—beating the film’s U.S. release by several days.

The April 28 screening comes ahead of the movie’s official American debut on May 1, part of a growing trend of near-simultaneous global releases. But in Israel, the timing carried added weight. Just weeks after the Iran-Israel war, the event felt less like a routine premiere and more like a signal that cultural life is finding its rhythm again.

The film itself first premiered globally on April 20 at Lincoln Center in New York, where cast, filmmakers, and international press gathered for its debut.

“Big films today open globally—it’s no longer about waiting,” said Ilana Nozick, general manager at Forum Films. “We wouldn’t hold this back from Israeli audiences. I’m excited… honestly, I’m trembling.”

She added that in the lead-up, uncertainty loomed. “We planned this for a long time, but we didn’t know if it would actually happen. There was always that question—will things calm down in time?”

Inside Lev Cinema, the answer seemed clear. Around 400 guests arrived dressed for the moment, moving through floors lined with step-and-repeat backdrops and themed cocktail stations. Actors, influencers, producers, and creatives paused for photos before heading into the screening.

Fashion took center stage. Guests nodded to the film’s signature aesthetic with bold red accents—tight leather dresses, statement bags, and sharp tailoring. Black-and-white looks added a classic editorial edge, while others experimented with dramatic silhouettes, oversized bows, and glossy finishes. The overall effect felt intentional: not just style, but a re-embrace of public life and celebration.

Among those spotted were actress Hannah Laslow, event producer Irit Rahamim, and influencer Emily Kuper. Singer and actress Erimat Sarouf attended with her granddaughter, describing the night as both joyful and fragile.

“It feels like a dream,” she said. “But we all know it could stop again at any moment.”

Sarouf, who recently performed for a large crowd in Eilat after a postponed show during the war, emphasized the importance of continuing cultural life.

“They want us to shut everything down—the shops, the culture,” she said. “We won’t let that happen.” Referencing songwriter Naomi Shemer, she added, “You will not defeat me.”

The sequel reunites Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, returning to a fashion industry now shaped by digital influence and shifting power dynamics. The story follows Miranda Priestly as she navigates the decline of traditional print media while facing off with a now-powerful Emily Charlton. Meanwhile, journalist Andy Sachs is drawn back into the orbit of a world she once left behind, as media, identity, and influence evolve.

When the lights dimmed at 9 p.m., the crowd settled in quickly. Hebrew subtitles flickered onto the screen as the opening scenes began, prompting laughter and whispered commentary throughout the theater.

Early reactions were strong. Viewers described the film as entertaining, nostalgic, and easy to enjoy—an escape that still reflects real industry shifts. By the time the credits rolled, guests stepped back into the Tel Aviv night energized.

The film is now rolling out in theaters across Israel.

And this time, Israeli audiences didn’t have to wait.