The Italian Dubbing of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ Has Stirred Up a Surprising Controversy

The Italian dubbing of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ has sparked a controversy over the performances of the voice actors, particularly Maria Pia Di Meo and Gabriele Lavia, whose aging voices are perceived as mismatched with the characters. This debate highlights broader issues about dubbing quality in the streaming age and its cultural impact.

The sequel, released on April 29, has made over $77 million in US theaters and $157 million worldwide, confirming its commercial success. However, the Italian dubbing has become a point of contention, with fans and viewers noting that veteran voice actors Di Meo and Lavia, both advanced in age, deliver performances that some find inconsistent with the characters’ energy and personality. Di Meo, born in 1939, has a storied career dubbing prominent actresses, including Meryl Streep, but some viewers feel her voice now reveals the passage of time, creating a disconnect with Miranda Priestly’s sharpness. Similarly, Lavia’s dubbing of Nigel, originally played by Stanley Tucci, has been described as forced by some critics. The debate also extends to the effectiveness of dubbing overall, especially as modern audiences increasingly prefer original language versions on streaming platforms. Trailers for the film have been criticized for fast-paced dialogue and cultural references that are difficult for Italian viewers to follow, raising questions about the relevance and quality of dubbing in contemporary cinema consumption.

Why It Matters

This controversy underscores the ongoing challenges faced by dubbing industries worldwide, especially in countries like Italy where dubbed versions dominate theatrical releases. It raises questions about whether traditional dubbing practices can keep pace with modern content production and viewing habits. The debate also highlights cultural and linguistic considerations, as well as the impact of aging performers on audience perception. For international audiences, dubbing quality directly influences their experience and connection to global cinema, making this issue relevant beyond Italy.

Background

For decades, Italy has been known for its strong dubbing industry, with many iconic voice actors becoming the definitive voices of Hollywood stars in the country. Maria Pia Di Meo, born in 1939, has been the voice of Meryl Streep in numerous films, including the original ‘The Devil Wears Prada.’ As the industry shifts towards streaming, where viewers often prefer original audio, the relevance and quality of traditional dubbing are increasingly scrutinized. The original ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ film from 2006 remains a cultural touchstone, and its sequel’s release has reignited discussions about how well dubbing adapts to contemporary standards and audience expectations.

“Many fans were happy to revisit familiar voices, but some noticed that the aging voices of Di Meo and Lavia now sometimes seem mismatched with the characters’ energy, sparking debate.”

— Wired Italia

“The dubbing system no longer keeps pace with the speed and specificity of modern content, raising questions about its effectiveness in today’s cinematic landscape.”

— Industry observer

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear whether the controversy will lead to changes in dubbing practices or a shift toward more original language screenings in Italy. The long-term impact on dubbing industry standards remains uncertain, and opinions vary among audiences and industry professionals.

What’s Next

Discussions about dubbing quality are likely to continue, possibly prompting industry stakeholders to reassess dubbing practices. Future film releases may see increased attention to voice casting and performance, and there could be a push for more original language screenings or improved dubbing technology.

Key Questions

Why has the Italian dubbing of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ caused controversy?

The controversy stems from audience perceptions that the aging voices of key dubbers, particularly Maria Pia Di Meo and Gabriele Lavia, no longer match the energy and sharpness of the characters, leading to a disconnect and debates over dubbing quality.

Does this controversy suggest a decline in dubbing standards?

It raises concerns about whether traditional dubbing can keep pace with modern content and audience expectations, especially as viewers increasingly prefer original audio on streaming platforms.

Will the industry change its approach to dubbing because of this?

It is uncertain. The ongoing debate may prompt some to reconsider dubbing practices, but there has been no official announcement of industry-wide changes at this time.

Is this issue unique to Italy?

No. While the Italian industry has a long history of high-quality dubbing, similar debates about dubbing quality and aging voice actors occur in other countries, especially where dubbing is the primary mode of film consumption.