‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Credits Human Artist for Viral Meme Instead of Using AI
The release of The Devil Wears Prada 2 has sparked an unexpected conversation about creativity and authorship in the age of artificial intelligence, after it was revealed that a key “AI-style” visual featured in the film was created entirely by a human artist.
The sequel, directed by David Frankel, revisits the high-stakes world of Runway magazine, once again led by the formidable editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep. Early in the film, Priestly becomes the subject of public backlash following a controversial editorial decision, with the narrative incorporating elements of modern internet culture, including viral memes and social media criticism.
Among those fictional online reactions is a stylized image depicting Priestly reimagined as a fast-food worker, rendered in a way that mimics the aesthetic often associated with AI-generated images. However, the artwork was not produced using generative technology. Instead, it was created by artist Alexis Franklin, who later shared details about her involvement.
In a social media post, Franklin explained that she was commissioned directly by the production team to create the image. She also published a time-lapse video documenting her process, emphasizing that the work was completed entirely by hand. The piece includes a satirical caption, “Would you like some lies with that?” aligning with the film’s commentary on media scrutiny and public perception.
Franklin described the assignment as both unexpected and creatively fulfilling, noting that the style of the piece closely matches the type of work she already produces independently. Her comments also highlighted a broader point of interest among audiences: the deliberate decision by a major studio production to rely on a human artist rather than automated tools for a visual meant to imitate AI output.
The choice has drawn attention at a time when the film and television industries continue to grapple with questions surrounding artificial intelligence, labor, and authorship. While AI-generated imagery has become more common in promotional materials and background assets, its use has also been met with criticism from artists and industry professionals concerned about displacement and intellectual property.
Online reactions to the revelation have been mixed but engaged. Some viewers praised the production’s approach, interpreting it as a conscious effort to support creative labor. Others noted that the decision stands out precisely because such practices are not yet standard across the industry, reflecting ongoing tensions about how new technologies are integrated into filmmaking.
Beyond the discussion surrounding the artwork, The Devil Wears Prada 2 has performed strongly at the box office. The film opened with approximately $77 million domestically and an additional $156.6 million internationally, bringing its global opening weekend total to more than $230 million. The numbers suggest sustained interest in the franchise nearly two decades after the original 2006 film.
