Adrian Grenier raises a toast to Nate while addressing sequel snub

Adrian Grenier has addressed his absence from the upcoming Devil Wears Prada 2 with humor and grace, teaming up with Starbucks and Disney for a playful commercial.

The 49-year-old actor, who famously played aspiring chef and boyfriend Nate in the 2006 original, appears in the ad holding a Starbucks Energy Refresher while reflecting on his character. 

“You might have seen the headlines — I wasn’t asked to be part of a certain sequel,” Grenier says. “But I’m good. Really. It’s all good energy.”

In the commercial, Grenier raises his drink in a toast to Nate, saying, “He made a mean sandwich, he loved his girlfriend, to a point… He wasn’t perfect. So let’s leave Nate in 2006, and keep this good energy going.”

The Starbucks Energy Refresher line featured in the ad includes Mango Strawberry, Mango Strawberry Lemonade, and Mango Dream flavors, all available year-round.

Grenier has previously spoken about the sequel, telling People in March that he had discussed his absence with director David Frankel. 

“I was disappointed… But, you know, apparently, my character is a controversial character, so he might need his own spinoff,” he joked.

Despite missing out on the sequel, Grenier remains open to returning as Nate. “I mean, if they call, I’m free,” he says in the commercial. 

He also defended his character, noting, “If Nate is actually the devil in The Devil Wears Prada, I’d like to see what his character does beyond, as a spinoff movie.”

The Devil Wears Prada 2, starring Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci