New characters include diverse hires like a South Asian assistant played by Simone Ashley and a plus-size gay Black assistant played by Caleb Hearon, reflecting modern DEI-style inclusivity in the fashion world, with Anne Hathaway publicly advocating for body-positive models in scenes to promote size diversity. Miranda Priestly is noticeably softened to align with contemporary sensitivities, with dialogue acknowledging she 'can't say certain things anymore' and treating assistants more humanely, framed as Gen-Z-friendly updates that dilute her original ruthlessness.

Creators emphasize queer influence, with Meryl Streep stating the LGBTQ community was 'top of mind' and fashion owes its existence to gay people, amplifying the film's queer appeal amid fan 'gay panic' over subtext. Themes critique tech moguls and capitalism disrupting traditional media, with light anti-corporate undertones and journalism advocacy, but these are incidental to the central plot of Andy returning to save Runway from digital decline and reconnecting with Emily and Miranda. No race or gender swaps of established characters, no overt lectures on systemic oppression, and progressive aspects feel like organic extensions of a modern fashion satire rather than foundational drivers, though they influence reception with some 'woke' labels and niche backlash over Asian stereotypes.