Johnson Recalls: Blunt Waiting to Step Out on NYC Set

Dwayne Johnson recently opened up about an interesting career move that ultimately didn’t materialize. The action icon disclosed that he pitched himself for The Devil Wears Prada 2, expressing his willingness to wear size 15 heels for the part. This revelation provides fascinating insight into Johnson’s ambition to explore cinematic territories far removed from his established action-hero image.
Johnson’s opportunity arose during filming of The Smashing Machine, where he stars opposite Emily Blunt in a biographical drama about MMA fighter Mark Kerr. While Blunt juggled her commitments to both productions, Johnson approached her about the Devil Wears Prada sequel. He envisioned a character with fashion knowledge and effortless appeal, someone who would naturally belong in the franchise’s sophisticated universe.
Blunt substantiated Johnson’s story, acknowledging he made a legitimate effort to join the cast. Returning alongside original stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, Blunt responded to Johnson’s interest with characteristic wit. She playfully remarked that Johnson would look attractive in heels, showcasing the friendly working relationship they’ve developed.
Though Johnson’s recruitment efforts proved unsuccessful, Blunt ensured he remained connected to the sequel’s progress through regular updates. She sent behind-the-scenes videos from the New York City set. Johnson vividly recalls these videos, describing Blunt waiting to step out on the NYC set, capturing moments from her car before emerging onto busy streets where enormous crowds had gathered. Johnson described these pre-emergence updates fondly, noting the crowds resembled the excitement typically reserved for pop music celebrity sightings.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 will be released on May 1, 2026, under David Frankel’s direction and based on Lauren Weisberger’s literary work. The original film premiered at the LA Film Festival in June 2006 and left an indelible mark on popular culture. While Johnson won’t appear in the sequel, his recall of Blunt waiting to step out captures the anticipation and excitement surrounding the production.