Simone Ashley on filming ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’

Simone Ashley received a “masterclass in acting” working with Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci on The Devil Wears Prada 2.

The 31-year-old star plays Amari Mari, first assistant to Runway editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), in the long-awaited sequel and had “one of the best summers of (her) life” filming the movie.

Ashley told Vogue: “I was mainly with Meryl and Stanley [Tucci]. We shot the first half on the streets of Manhattan, which was crazy. We shot in the studios for the Runway offices, and then we went to Milan,” she said, adding, “I learned so much from just observing how everyone worked. They’re just masters of their craft.”

The Bridgerton star said the film was life-changing, calling it one of the best summers of her life. She spoke about working closely with director David Frankel, producer and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, the producers, and the crew while filming in New York. Ashley shared that she learned a great deal just by watching how the cast inhabited their characters and slipped into the world of The Devil Wears Prada. She also reflected on the film’s distinct atmosphere, rooted in New York fashion and defined by a subtle, hyper-real chicness that shapes its tone throughout.

Ashley compared filming scenes in New York City – where she has since moved – to performing in “theatre,” as large crowds often gathered to watch.

She said: “There were days it felt like a theatre, with thousands of people watching. Also, it was summer in Manhattan. It was amazing. I moved there in May or June, to start prep for filming, and never looked back.”

In recent years, she has soared with roles in shows such as Sex Education and Bridgerton and is grateful for the way things have progressed.

“I never take it for granted. To the world, it seems like it was something that happened very quickly. But for me, it was something I’ve been working on since I was 18. Bridgerton was definitely a catalyst; things started moving really quickly,” she said.

Ashley – who has Tamil Indian heritage – is seen as a role model for South Asian stars in the acting industry but feels there is still “a long way to go” in terms of representation.

“The arts are a political industry – whether we like it or not, whether you want it to be or not, it is. And I think just me being there and doing my work is a political statement in itself ... Just doing the work that I’m doing proves that women who look like me can have a seat at the table,” Ashley added.