Meryl Streep has once again donned the character of Miranda Priestly in the much-anticipated sequel to ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, marking a significant return to the role she first portrayed two decades ago. The premiere of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ took place in New York City on April 20, 2026, amid substantial fanfare and excitement.
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Reflecting on her initial hesitance to take on the role in the original film, Streep, now 76, recently revealed that she was contemplating retirement prior to her involvement in the 2006 release. During an appearance on the NBC programme ‘TODAY’, alongside co-stars Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, Streep recounted how she nearly declined the role. “They called me up and they made an offer, and I said, ‘No, not going to do it,’” she reminisced.
When prompted about her reasons for rejecting the offer initially, Streep noted her prescient belief that the film would be successful. “I knew it was going to be a hit and I wanted to see if I doubled my ask,” she quipped. To her surprise, the producers quickly agreed to her proposal. “And I thought, I’m 50, 60, it took me this long to understand that I could do that. They needed me, I felt,” she added. This experience was pivotal in shaping her perspective as an actress, reinforcing the importance of knowing one’s worth.
When ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ was released, Streep was 57, portraying the formidable and stylish editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine. Two decades later, she has reprised this iconic role in a sequel that brings back original cast members, including Hathaway, Blunt, and Tucci, who are now all in their forties and sixties, respectively. The long-awaited sequel is generating excitement in the film industry and among fans, many of whom have followed Streep’s illustrious career.
Post-‘The Devil Wears Prada’, Streep has appeared in numerous high-profile films, including ‘Mamma Mia!’ in 2008, ‘Julie & Julia’ in 2009, and ‘The Iron Lady’ in 2012, for which she won her second Academy Award for Best Actress. Her versatility as an actress has steered her into various genres, maintaining her relevance in an ever-evolving industry. Recently, she has lent her voice to animated projects and made notable appearances in the Hulu series ‘Only Murders in the Building’ and a cameo in ‘Project Hail Mary’.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Streep reflected on some of the challenges she faced early in her career. She recounted an impactful moment from her youth, relating a critique she received during a college interview. Streep remembered being asked by the dean about her summer reading, to which she replied with Carl Jung’s name. “She said, ‘Yung. Carl Yung, I think you mean.’ I didn’t know he was [Swiss], but I remember thinking, ‘Why did she put me down?’” This kind of harsh feedback has lingered with her, serving as a reminder of the challenging landscape that emerging artists often navigate.
Compared to her previous experiences, the return to the role of Miranda Priestly has only deepened Streep’s appreciation for her craft. This sequel not only aims to capture the essence of the beloved original but also explores the evolution of its characters and the narrative surrounding them. As Streep imbues her character with both nostalgia and contemporary relevance, audiences can expect a blend of wit, drama, and fashion that has become synonymous with the franchise.
As anticipation builds for the release of ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’, fans and critics alike are eager to see how Streep and her co-stars navigate the complexities of their characters in today’s fashion world. The film promises to resonate with a new generation while reigniting the passion of those who revered the original. Streep’s journey and reflections offer not just an insight into her career but also serve as an inspiration for aspiring actors, underscoring the importance of resilience and knowing one’s worth in a demanding industry.