Meryl Streep Says She’s ‘Happy to Represent’ Older Women by Leading a Major Movie at 76

**Meryl Streep Returns as Miranda Priestly in ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’**

Meryl Streep is set to reprise her iconic role as Miranda Priestly in the highly anticipated sequel, **The Devil Wears Prada 2**, hitting UK cinemas on May 1. With this return to the big screen nearly two decades after the original hit, Streep’s character is ready to dominate the fashion world once again.

At a recent promotional event in Japan, Streep, who will turn 77 in June, articulated her thoughts on the representation of older women in Hollywood. She expressed her delight in having the opportunity to portray a character of significant influence at an age when many actresses find fewer leading roles available to them. “I do think that there’s something in this one that’s unusual, because you don’t see many 70-, almost 77-year-old women playing parts like this in any movie or under any circumstance,” Streep remarked, noting the rarity of such roles.

Joining Streep in the sequel are notable co-stars including Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, each returning to their respective roles from the beloved original film. In this sequel, set 20 years after the first film, the characters once again convene at the fictional Runway magazine, facing the evolving landscape of the fashion industry.

Streep took the opportunity to address the broader cultural issue of how women, particularly those above the age of 50, often become invisible in the film industry. “Often women over 50, I’d say, disappear into the woodwork,” she explained in her conversation. “Their interests and opinions are less valued in our culture, so it’s fun to see this person who is credibly placed in the world and having that influence.” The actress sees her role in *The Devil Wears Prada 2* as a positive step towards changing these dynamics.

The original *The Devil Wears Prada*, based on Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling novel, introduced audiences to the ambitious Andy Sachs, played by Hathaway, who lands a job as an assistant to the formidable Miranda Priestly. Streep’s portrayal received widespread acclaim and even an Academy Award nomination, with her character drawing comparisons to real-life Vogue editor Anna Wintour over the years.

The sequel will also feature a mix of new additions to the cast, including veterans such as Kenneth Branagh, Lucy Liu, and Justin Theroux, along with Broadway stars like Helen J. Shen and Conrad Ricamora. Both Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman are returning to reprise their roles as “Lily” and “Irv,” whilst Adrian Grenier, who played Andy’s boyfriend in the previous film, will not be returning for the sequel.

The plot of *The Devil Wears Prada 2* promises to navigate the complexities of the fashion industry’s current state, as Priestly contends with the challenges posed by declining traditional magazine publishing. It appears that she will be facing competition from Blunt’s character, who has evolved into a powerful executive within a luxury conglomerate. This dynamic is set to propel the narrative forward, illuminating the shifting power landscape in the business.

Beyond her role in *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, Streep remains an actively engaged figure in the entertainment industry. Recently, she lent her voice to a character in Pixar’s *Hoppers* and made a comedic cameo in Ryan Gosling’s *Project Hail Mary*, showcasing her versatility.

As the release date approaches, excitement is mounting among fans eager to witness this beloved franchise continue its journey on screens. Meryl Streep’s return as Miranda Priestly offers not only a chance to revisit an iconic character but also serves as a vital commentary on the representation of women in film. The anticipation for *The Devil Wears Prada 2* only grows stronger, reminding audiences of the enduring appeal of fashion, ambition, and the complexities of life in the modern age.

With its mix of nostalgia and contemporary relevance, *The Devil Wears Prada 2* is poised to captivate both old fans and new audiences alike when it premieres next month.