You’ve seen the movie a thousand times. You can quote Miranda Priestly’s "cerulean" monologue by heart. You’ve probably debated whether Nate was the real villain more times than you’d like to admit. But if I asked you to point out exactly where Daniel Sunjata in The Devil Wears Prada fits into the puzzle, would you remember him? Honestly, most people blink and miss it. He isn't the guy Andy dates, and he isn't the guy who almost ruins her life in Paris.
Sunjata plays James Holt.
He is the "up-and-coming" fashion designer that Miranda Priestly actually likes—at least for a few minutes. While the movie is packed with heavy hitters like Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, Sunjata brings this cool, understated energy to a world that is otherwise frantic and high-pitched.
Who Exactly Was James Holt?
If you go back and re-watch the 2006 classic, you’ll find James Holt at the center of one of the film's most nerve-wracking scenes. He is the young designer presenting his collection to Miranda. It’s that moment where the "pursed lips" happen. Remember? Nigel (Stanley Tucci) explains to Andy that the pursed lips are "catastrophic."
Sunjata’s character represents the high-stakes pressure of the industry. He isn't a caricature. He’s a guy whose entire career depends on the whim of a woman who decides what's "in" before the rest of the world even knows it exists. It’s a small role, sure, but it’s a pivotal one for showing the audience how much power Runway magazine actually holds over creators.
What’s interesting is that James Holt didn't even exist in the original Lauren Weisberger novel. The filmmakers added him to give the fashion world more texture. They needed a face for the "next big thing," and Sunjata, fresh off his Broadway success in Take Me Out, had the perfect look for it. He’s polished, he’s talented, and he looks like he belongs in a high-end atelier.
Why Daniel Sunjata in The Devil Wears Prada Was a Big Deal for Him
Back in 2006, Daniel Sunjata was primarily known as a "TV guy" or a "stage guy." He was already a lead on the FX hit Rescue Me, playing the womanizing firefighter Franco Rivera. Switching from a soot-covered firehouse to a silk-covered fashion studio was a massive pivot.
Basically, it proved his range.
- From Fireman to Fashion: One week he’s fighting fires; the next he’s discussing hemlines.
- The "Beautiful People" Factor: People Magazine had recently named him one of the "50 Most Beautiful People," which fit the James Holt aesthetic perfectly.
- The NYU Connection: Sunjata is a Tisch grad. He has that "actor's actor" vibe where he can take a five-minute role and make it feel like a lived-in person.
In a 2022 interview with Essence, Sunjata himself mentioned that playing a fashion designer was "completely outside of the box" for him. He was used to playing cops, soldiers, or athletes. This was a chance to be "dashing and debonair" instead of just "the guy with the gun."
The Legacy of the Role (And the 2026 Sequel Rumors)
It’s been twenty years. The fashion has changed (thankfully), but the movie hasn’t aged a day. Now that Disney is moving forward with a Devil Wears Prada sequel, everyone is asking who’s coming back.
We know Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt are likely in. But what about the minor characters?
Reports from late 2025 and early 2026 suggest that the sequel focuses on Miranda Priestly at the end of her career, facing a world where traditional magazines are dying. Does James Holt still have a brand? Is he the next Valentino, or did he flame out? While industry insiders like Just Jared have listed Sunjata as "seemingly not returning," fans are still holding out hope for a cameo. It would be a great full-circle moment to see James Holt as an established legend of the industry, perhaps even more powerful than Miranda herself.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re a fan of Sunjata’s work, don’t just stop at his brief stint in fashion. He’s currently killing it as Detective Adam Karadec in High Potential. It’s a completely different vibe—much closer to the "tough guy" roles he’s known for, but with a lot more heart.
- Re-watch the "James Holt" Scene: Go back to the 45-minute mark of The Devil Wears Prada. Watch Sunjata’s face when Miranda gives him the "lip purse." It’s a masterclass in subtle acting.
- Check out "Rescue Me": If you want to see why he became a star, start from Season 1. The contrast between Franco Rivera and James Holt is wild.
- Follow the Sequel News: Keep an eye on trade publications like Variety or The Hollywood Reporter. The cast list for the sequel is being updated weekly as they head into production.
Honestly, Daniel Sunjata in The Devil Wears Prada might not be the most famous part of his resume, but it was the role that proved he could play in the big leagues. He held his own in scenes with Meryl Streep, and in that world, that’s the only performance review that matters.