Meryl Streep Says If “The Devil Wears Prada”’s Miranda Priestly Were a Man There ‘Would Be No Movie’

Meryl Streep, the acclaimed actress known for her versatile roles, recently discussed her iconic character Miranda Priestly in the beloved film *The Devil Wears Prada*. In an engaging interview with The New York Times, alongside her co-stars Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and director David Frankel, Streep reflected on the significance of her role and the film’s enduring impact.

Streep portrayed Miranda Priestly, the formidable editor-in-chief of the fashion magazine Runway, in the 2006 film, which has become a cultural phenomenon. The dynamics between Miranda and her assistant Andy Sachs, played by Hathaway, serve as the film’s central narrative. Blunt featured as Emily, Miranda’s dedicated first assistant, while Tucci took on the role of the magazine’s fashion director.

In the interview, journalist Melena Ryzik raised the question of ambition as a recurring theme in *The Devil Wears Prada* and its anticipated sequel, *The Devil Wears Prada 2*. Streep asserted that if her character had been male, the film likely would not have been made. “You know, if Miranda Priestly were Michael Priestly, there would be no movie, the first movie,” she remarked. This statement underlines the double standards that women face in positions of power, highlighting how traits that are often admired in men can lead to disparagement when exhibited by women.

Streep elaborated on this idea, saying, “Everything she does is sort of slightly horrible, but would be kind of adorable if a man said, ‘By all means, move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.’ And everybody would go, ‘He’s great, isn’t he?’” The subtle nuances of gendered perceptions in the workplace were evident in her reflections, as she noted the harsher light in which similar behaviour is viewed when performed by women.

The actress also drew from her own life experiences to inform her portrayal of Miranda. “Most of the bosses that I’d had in my life were men,” Streep explained. “So I copied them, the people that were good at leading in a strong way without making a big effort, seemingly.” This insight reveals the complexity and depth she brought to the character, drawing inspiration from both her personal and professional encounters.

While Streep reflected on the film’s place in history, acknowledging its quaintness in today’s digital world, Tucci offered a differing view, suggesting that *The Devil Wears Prada* has aged gracefully. “A lot of movies date pretty quickly,” he observed. “That movie works all the time. You have generations of people watching it.” This sentiment underscores the film’s universal themes of ambition and self-discovery, which continue to resonate with audiences across various demographics.

As the conversation turned to the new instalment, Streep teased how the upcoming film diverges from the first. She described the original as a “Cinderella story,” while she labelled the sequel as “more like Pilgrim’s Progress with better clothes.” This comparison highlights the maturation of the narrative, suggesting that Hathaway’s character, Andy, faces more complex decisions and moral dilemmas in the sequel.

Hathaway, reflecting on her own growth alongside her character over the past two decades, expressed how both she and Andy have gained confidence. “I think we’re both more confident,” she stated. “I think that 20 years ago Andy Sachs was really worried about getting it right and she really wanted to please her boss. And now I think that she wants to be herself.” This evolution mirrors broader societal shifts towards greater self-expression and empowerment.

The original *The Devil Wears Prada* featured an impressive ensemble cast, including Adrian Grenier, Simon Baker, Gisele Bündchen, and Tracie Thoms, and was a commercial success, grossing over $325 million worldwide. Streep’s performance earned her an Oscar nomination, further solidifying her status as one of the finest actresses of her generation.

The highly anticipated sequel introduces new cast members, including Justin Theroux, Kenneth Branagh, Lucy Liu, Simone Ashley, and Caleb Hearon, while retaining the talents of Streep, Hathaway, Blunt, Tucci, and Frankel, who once again takes the helm as director. Fans can look forward to *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, which is set to be released in cinemas on May 1, promising to deliver a fresh perspective on ambition and transformation in the fast-paced world of fashion.