Black People Love Paramore – "Devil Wears Prada"
Release Date: April 30, 2026
Hosts: Sequoia Holmes & Jewel Wicker
(With theme song by prod.joelteon and cover art by Pedro Fequiere)
Episode Overview
In this lively, humorous episode, Sequoia and Jewel celebrate the 20th anniversary and the theatrical re-release of The Devil Wears Prada. The hosts, both Black women in media, discuss the film’s layered depiction of ambition, workplace culture, and fashion, and riff on its enduring impact—as well as its problematic elements—from a Black, pop-culture-savvy lens. Along the way, they swap movie memories, debate the “true villain,” dream-cast a Black version of the film, and tackle nostalgia and fashion trends.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. First Impressions & Rewatching the Film
- Sequoia's first viewing: Only saw The Devil Wears Prada in 2025, having missed it in her youth (08:43).
- “I was enamored...the humor in it. Meryl Streep, my God, the range on Meryl Streep needs to be studied.” – Sequoia (08:43)
- Jewel's history: Watched as a high schooler—not because she wanted to be a journalist, but because she thought it was "just a good movie" (04:02–05:45).
- Both relate to Andy's outsider status in fashion and media.
2. Film’s Authenticity & Real-Life Inspirations
- Discuss the (thinly veiled) basis for Miranda Priestly in Anna Wintour, and how the original script required “meaner” edits per input from Wintour’s former assistant (10:25).
- “The note that the assistant...gave is that it wasn’t mean enough.” – Sequoia (10:25)
- Jewel, who worked at Teen Vogue, shares insight into magazine culture and the power dynamics echoing the film (06:19–07:21; 14:13).
3. Meryl Streep’s Performance and Character Depth
- Streep drew inspiration from Clint Eastwood’s quiet dominance for her understated, icy delivery (13:30).
- “She was very quiet, dominant, even more menacing.” – Sequoia (14:13)
- The film’s strength lies in how it transcends “chick flick” tropes, offering depth and nuance (17:50).
- “It had depth to it...the characters were fully realized.” – Jewel (16:56)
- Comparison with Legally Blonde as a similar era film that, in Sequoia’s view, doesn’t hold up as well (17:50–18:18).
4. Casting 'What Ifs' and the “Blackified” Dream Cast
- Riff on other actresses considered for Andy (Claire Danes, Kirsten Dunst, Hilary Duff, etc.), ultimately confirming Hathaway as uniquely fit for the transformative arc (18:41–22:27).
- Sequoia proposes a Black dream cast (42:36–52:59):
- Miranda Priestly: Angela Bassett (“for the movie as it exists today”) or Gabrielle Union (more comedic tone) (45:11–45:59).
- Andy Sachs: Yara Shahidi (“regular girl...can act, neither here nor there, will act great”) (46:03).
- Emily: Marsai Martin (bitchy, funny) or Tessa Thompson (debatable) (47:22–49:29).
- Nigel: Regé-Jean Page (as the overlooked, talented coworker) (50:11–51:52).
- Nate: Trevor Jackson (met with much skepticism and teasing from Jewel) (52:07–53:24).
- Debate about which actors could bring the right “bite, depth, and nuance” for a Black cultural context.
5. Body Image, 2000s Fashion, and Problematic Elements
- Anne Hathaway was asked to gain then lose 10 pounds to play Andy, reflecting the harshness of fashion-world expectations—even a size 6 was “fat” (26:10–27:41).
- “Size 6 being big was like, of course, heroin chic is in...With the advent of Ozempic in 2026, we have certainly returned to a time [of extreme thinness].” – Sequoia (27:50)
- Connects to TikTok discourse on body standards and the ongoing racialized differences in beauty ideals (28:04).
6. Who’s the Real Villain? Nate vs. Andy Debate
- Referencing viral discourse labeling Andy’s boyfriend Nate as the “villain”—Jewel agrees, Sequoia disagrees (29:18–34:24).
- Jewel: “He was a hater...God forbid you got your little motion...Now I got something going on, I’m a little busy, and now all of a sudden it's a problem.” (29:26)
- Sequoia: “He gave more grace than I would have given.” – on Andy missing his birthday (31:15)
- Ultimately, they agree that Andy’s poor communication and changing priorities (not evil—just young/messy) complicate blame.
7. Ambition, Boundaries & Character Arc
- Delve into Andy’s “I didn’t have a choice” refrain and how quickly she internalizes magazine values, perhaps too quickly (34:24–37:37).
- Both discuss what kind of person can survive and thrive in high-stakes media—some would never allow the disrespect, others get swept up.
- Psychologize Andy’s arc as a cautionary tale about young ambition, value shifts, and how easily people are consumed by high-status workplaces.
- Sequoia: “It feels like Andy gets caught up in just seeing how far she can get” (39:29)
8. Predictions & Fashion Nostalgia for Devil Wears Prada 2
- Wild predictions for the sequel: content creation, podcasting, return of 2000s trends, possible Chapel Roan cameo (54:08).
- Roasting of attempted comebacks for gauchos and peplums, and lamentations about hideous 2000s fashion (54:34–56:22).
- Both hosts horrified by a red studded pump from the sequel’s promo, doubting Miranda Priestly would ever wear it (56:22–57:44).
9. Favorite Quotes and Iconic Moments
- Miranda's Cruelty:
- “I said to myself, go ahead, take a chance. Hire the smart fat girl. You have really disappointed me.” – Miranda Priestly, as relayed by Sequoia (59:25)
- “Why is no one ready?” – (16:56)
- Emily’s Bitterness:
- “You eat carbs for Christ's sake!” – Cited as a favorite hater line (35:04)
- General Wisdom:
- Sequoia: “If you keep playing in my face...you take it to hell, I’m gonna take it further...I don’t want it that bad.” (39:06)
- Jewel: “There is a specific person who is good for those types of jobs...There are many people who would...just not take it.” (37:52–38:31)
10. Overall Assessment
- The film holds up nearly 20 years later—funny, sharp, with real emotional stakes and career realism.
- “Devil Wears Prada is a fantastic movie...definitely approaching a 9 out of 10. Holds up super well. If you have body image issues, this is not the movie for you.” – Sequoia (58:40–59:25)
- Hosts encourage listeners to revisit both the film and the new sequel—with a healthy appreciation for its pop culture legacy but also a critical eye towards its faults.
Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)
- “Meryl Streep, my God, the range on Meryl Streep needs to be studied by everybody who’s an aspiring actress or actor. Insane.” – Sequoia (08:43)
- “The note...was that it wasn’t mean enough. She’s like, none of the characters are mean enough.” – Sequoia (10:25)
- “Miranda Priestly as a character was really compelling to me. I just like the movie.” – Jewel (04:02)
- “She just kept leaning on this white woman victim thing...‘I did not have a choice.’ You always have choices.” – Sequoia (34:24)
- “He was a hater...You was cool with it. Now I got something going on...now all of a sudden it’s a problem.” – Jewel (29:26)
- “You eat carbs, for Christ’s sake!” – Emily’s iconic line cited by Jewel (35:04)
- “If you keep playing in my face like you’re not there is...You take it to hell, I’m gonna take it further.” – Sequoia (39:06)
- “I said to myself, go ahead, take a chance. Hire the smart fat girl...You have really disappointed me.” – Quoted by Sequoia (59:25)
- “Devil Wears Prada is a fantastic movie...If I had to rate it, like a 8.9, definitely approaching a 9 out of 10.” – Sequoia (58:40)
Important Segment Timestamps
| Segment | Timestamp |
|---------------------------------------------|---------------|
| Brief plot summary by Sequoia | 01:51–03:37 |
| Jewel discusses seeing the film in high school | 04:02–05:45 |
| Magazine industry realism and Anna Wintour | 06:14–07:21; 09:35–14:13 |
| Meryl Streep’s approach to Miranda | 13:30–14:13 |
| “Why is no one ready?” bad boss moment | 16:56 |
| Dream casting the “Blackified” version | 42:36–52:59 |
| Debate: Was Nate the villain? | 29:18–34:24 |
| Reflections on ambition, boundaries, and youth| 34:24–40:18 |
| Predictions and fashion hot takes for DWP2 | 54:08–57:44 |
| Final thoughts, ratings, and favorite quote | 58:40–59:52 |
Conclusion
Sequoia and Jewel bring sharp wit, pop culture fluency, and insider media perspectives to “The Devil Wears Prada,” balancing their love for the film’s iconic moments with pointed criticism of its dated ideas (body image, “girl boss” tropes). Their playful banter, personal anecdotes, and lively debate make this episode a joy—especially for listeners who missed the film’s heyday or seek a culturally nuanced take on a pop classic. The “Blackified” recast segment and their hilarious predictions for the sequel are not to be missed.
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