Meryl Streep has reflected on her iconic role in *The Devil Wears Prada* as the film gears up for its highly anticipated sequel. In a revealing interview with Anna Wintour for the May 2026 issue of *Vogue*, the actress discussed the impact of the original film, the evolution of her character, Miranda Priestly, and her relationship with the fashion industry.
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During their conversation, moderated by filmmaker Greta Gerwig, Streep reminisced about the initial challenges faced while shooting the first film. Streep described how intimidating it was to source outfits for her character, largely due to fears surrounding Wintour, who is widely acknowledged as the inspiration for Miranda Priestly. She noted that many designers were hesitant to provide clothes for the film because they did not want to offend the influential editor.
Streep, now 76, stated that she and the costume team opted for a more streamlined approach to Priestly’s wardrobe in the sequel. “Well, everybody was afraid of Anna on the first one, so we couldn’t find any clothes,” she said. “This time we pared her down. We made her simpler and just more essentially her.” The actress hinted at a more relaxed version of the character, mentioning that there will be less emphasis on extravagant hairstyles in favour of a look that feels more authentic to her character’s essence.
Wintour, also aged 76, expressed her delight about the sequel’s development and revealed that she sought Streep’s opinion on the film’s storyline shortly after hearing news of its production. “When I heard rumours that this new film might be happening, I called Meryl to ask if it was true. I knew she would tell me if it was going to be all right,” Wintour shared. The respected editor acknowledged that Streep had not yet read the script at the time but trusted her instincts.
Reflecting on the franchise’s significance, Wintour praised how the original film showcased the fashion industry’s substantial economic influence. “What I liked about the first film is that it showed the world what a huge business fashion is,” she remarked. “So much has changed. But I like to think we’re evolving rather than disintegrating. We are still here.” The sequel is expected to highlight the ongoing transformation of fashion in today’s digital landscape, showcasing how the industry has adapted to new platforms and reaches a broader audience.
Streep’s portrayal of Miranda Priestly — the formidable editor of a fictitious fashion magazine — captured the imagination of audiences and critics alike. Wintour admitted that she was initially apprehensive about how the film would depict the fashion world and her persona, sharing a memory of attending the film’s premiere. “I went to the premiere wearing Prada, completely having no idea what the film was going to be about,” Wintour recalled.
In an earlier interview on *The Run-Through with Vogue* podcast, Wintour addressed the mixed feelings surrounding the film’s release. She acknowledged concerns from the fashion community about potentially being portrayed in an unfavourable light. “Well, I think that the fashion industry was very sweetly concerned for me about the film that it was gonna paint me in some kind of difficult light,” she stated, acknowledging that the representation might have been deemed caricature-like in nature.
However, upon viewing the film, Wintour found it to be both entertaining and humorous. “It was Meryl Streep [playing Priestly], which was fantastic,” she commented, reflecting on the overall positive reception she had of the film. Wintour concluded that, in her view, *The Devil Wears Prada* successfully highlighted the essence of the fashion industry, allowing for a richer understanding of the dynamics at play.
As anticipation builds for the release of *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, audiences are eager to see how the film’s story unfolds and how its themes resonate with contemporary fashion narratives. Both Streep and Wintour are keenly aware of their roles in shaping the dialogue around the fashion industry, making this sequel not just a continuation of a beloved story, but also a timely commentary on the ever-evolving world of fashion.