This 'The Devil Wears Prada' Star Didn't Appear in the Sequel – What Happened to Him

A beloved film's long-awaited return has taken a shocking and unexpected turn, leaving fans reeling after news that a key figure tied to one of its most talked-about relationships will be missing — and the reason behind the absence is stirring up fresh controversy.

The sequel to the iconic 2006 hit "The Devil Wears Prada" officially hit screens on May 1, 2026, bringing back major stars to revisit the cutthroat, glamorous world of fashion journalism that once captivated audiences.

But even as fans flock to see the long-awaited follow-up, a glaring omission has already ignited fierce debate, nostalgia, and lingering resentment among longtime viewers.

The Missing Piece That Has Fans Talking

Despite the return of Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, one familiar face will not be making an appearance — a decision that has left fans both stunned and deeply divided.

According to Entertainment Weekly, two sources confirmed that the actor will not return for the sequel, even as anticipation builds for the film's next chapter.

Details surrounding the plot remained tightly under wraps, but the absence of such a central character has already begun to reshape expectations — and stir old emotions.

Director David Frankel later revealed that the omission was never meant to happen this way. There had been plans — fleeting, but real — to include the character in a brief appearance, a subtle nod to longtime fans.

But in a twist that feels almost cruel in its timing, those plans fell apart. "I had an idea about sneaking him into a cameo, and, in the end, it was just too late in our production schedule to make it happen," Frankel said.

Disappointment Behind the Scenes

The actor himself has now broken his silence, confirming that he had spoken directly with the director — and did not hide his feelings about being left out.

"I spoke to David Frankel, the director recently," he told PEOPLE in March 2026. "I was disappointed ... But, you know, apparently, my character is a controversial character, so he might need his own spinoff."

That single admission has only added fuel to an already emotionally charged debate that has lingered for years. In the original film, Nate Cooper was introduced as the supportive boyfriend of aspiring journalist Andy Sachs — a relationship that quickly unraveled as her career began to soar.

What started as a loving partnership slowly turned into a painful unraveling, marked by missed moments, simmering resentment, and clashes over ambition.

Their eventual separation — followed by a hinted reconciliation — left audiences conflicted, uncertain whether to root for love or independence. Over time, the narrative around Nate shifted dramatically.

What was once seen as a grounded, relatable character became, in the eyes of many viewers, something far more controversial.

Critics began labeling him the "real villain" of the story, pointing to his perceived lack of support and growing selfishness. The debate never truly faded — and now, with his absence from the sequel, it has come roaring back into the spotlight.

Fans Erupt with Mixed Emotions

Social media quickly filled with reactions, ranging from confusion to outright defense. One person said, "Why? Is he busy? I've not seen Vinny Chase in anything for eons."

Another wrote, "I like him and I liked that character." A third stated, "I think the character was cute. Loved the movie." Others, however, were less forgiving.

A netizen wrote, "Well, wasn't he the villain? We need a new villain." While another insisted, "everyone loved his character." The divide is as stark as ever — a testament to just how deeply this storyline resonated.

A Change of Perspective Years Later

The actor who portrayed Nate Cooper, Adrian Grenier, has also reflected on the backlash over the years — and his perspective has evolved. He admitted that he did not initially recognize the character's flaws but later came to understand the criticism.

He described Nate as "very selfish and self-involved," acknowledging that the character often prioritized his own needs over Andy's ambitions.

In recent years, Grenier has stepped away from the spotlight in a move that shocked many. In 2020, he relocated to Bastrop, Texas, where he and his wife established Kintsugi Ranch — embracing a completely different, slower-paced way of life.

The transformation has been profound. "You sleep better, you're more grounded, you have a sense of wellbeing," he said of life on the ranch.

Grenier has openly spoken about the cultural shift he experienced after leaving city life behind. "I really liked the down home vibe," he told PEOPLE in 2023. "There's not a lot of social climbing, not a lot of status people. Everyone's cowboy boots and a cowboy hat, so to speak."

His decision to step away was driven by something deeper than career fatigue. He said, "I didn't want to die alone; I wanted a family. I wanted a partnership. I wanted to have children."

He married Jordan in 2022, and the couple now shares two children — with his life now centered on family, land, and lasting connection.

Grenier has also ventured into new territory, co-founding DuContra Ventures and launching Earth Speed Media, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainability and meaningful work. "I didn't want to be so fast-paced and always on the go without taking time to really take in my life," he explained.

Despite his dramatic lifestyle shift, Grenier has not completely turned his back on acting. He recently appeared in the romantic comedy "You, Always," filmed in Australia, and has explored other projects like hosting the CryptoKnights show. Still, his involvement is now intentional, selective, and deeply personal.

A Different Kind of Ending

His daily routine — managing land, working outdoors, and focusing on sustainability — stands in stark contrast to his former Hollywood life.

And while his absence from the sequel has sparked renewed fascination, it also underscores just how much has changed since the original film first captured audiences.

As the story moves forward without him, one question lingers: was this a missed opportunity — or the natural closing of a complicated chapter?

For fans still debating, the conversation is far from over — and the legacy of Nate Cooper may be more powerful now than ever.