Jeff Bezos parallels in The Devil Wears Prada 2 spark debate on cultural power
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 5
Jeff Bezos parallels in The Devil Wears Prada 2 spark debate on cultural power
8 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 5
The film introduces billionaire Benji Barnes, played by Justin Theroux, as a Bezos-like figure whose post-divorce makeover, philanthropic ex-wife and relationship with Emily echo the Amazon founder’s public life.
It portrays Miranda Priestly facing pressure from advertisers and wealthy owners, while Benji pushes an AI-driven future that sidelines models, designers and traditional editorial authority.
The commentary lands as Bezos’s Met Gala role and wider tech influence over media and culture draw scrutiny, reflecting a broader screen trend of billionaire characters modelled on real moguls.
Is the rise of tech oligarchs a hostile takeover of culture or a necessary disruption of old media?
As AI perfectly mimics art, will authentic human creativity become a luxury item?
The Devil Wears Prada 2 and the 2026 "Bezos Met Gala": A Satirical Clash of Tech Billionaires, Media Takeovers, and Cultural Backlash
Overview
The Devil Wears Prada 2 premiered on May 1, 2026, just days before the controversial 2026 Met Gala, heavily sponsored by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos. This sponsorship sparked widespread backlash, protests, and boycotts from key fashion figures, including Meryl Streep's notable absence. The film’s plot, featuring Benji Barnes—a character inspired by Bezos and Elon Musk—pursuing control of Runway magazine, mirrors real-world rumors of Bezos acquiring Condé Nast amid its financial struggles. Meanwhile, Sasha Barnes, reflecting philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, offers a contrasting vision of wealth used for systemic change. Together, the film and gala controversy highlight tensions around tech billionaires’ growing influence over cultural institutions and the future of media.