**Kenneth Branagh Praises Meryl Streep’s Performance in The Devil Wears Prada 2**
In a recent interview, actor Kenneth Branagh lauded his co-star Meryl Streep for her meticulous preparation and infectious joy throughout the filming of *The Devil Wears Prada 2*. At the premiere event held at Lincoln Center in New York City, Branagh, who takes on the role of Stuart, Miranda Priestly’s husband, acknowledged Streep’s exceptional talent in bringing her character to life once again.
Branagh remarked on Streep’s approach to her role, stating, “She was very, very prepared. She’s rigorous about what she does.” The actor went on to comment on the balance she strikes between preparation and spontaneity, noting, “What I took from her was a sense of real joyfulness and play in the scenes.” He emphasised that while Streep thoroughly knew her material, she was adept at responding to the moment – a skill he found impressive.
Streep, now 76, portrays the formidable Miranda Priestly, a character inspired by the fashion editor Anna Wintour. Although Streep initially had little familiarity with Wintour’s world of fashion while making the first film, she sought to craft her own version of the character. “I just wanted to create my own Miranda,” she explained during an appearance on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen-hosted *Front Row*.
Over the years, Streep claimed that she gained a deeper understanding of Wintour. When discussing the sequel, she recalled a recent conversation with the Vogue editor, who inquired about what audiences could expect. Streep reassured Wintour that the film would be enjoyable, saying, “I think it’s going to be good. You’re not going to be worried.” With her confidence in the project, Streep looks forward to presenting a fresh narrative to fans.
The sequel reunites several beloved characters, with Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt both reprising their roles alongside Streep and Branagh. They are accompanied by newcomers such as Lucy Liu and B.J. Novak, adding to the film’s impressive ensemble cast. Liu expressed her excitement, stating, “It’s going to be highly entertaining… all the eye candy.” She implied that viewers will appreciate the evolution of the characters since the first film was released 20 years ago.
Reflecting on this evolution, Liu highlighted the importance of change, asserting, “You don’t want to get served the same thing.” Audiences will see how the lives of these characters have evolved, providing a fresh perspective that resonates with long-time fans.
Branagh, well-known for his roles in films such as *Belfast* and *Oppenheimer*, continues to be celebrated for his contributions to cinema, earning an Academy Award nomination for his role in *My Week with Marilyn*. His admiration for Streep exemplifies the deep respect that exists among established actors in the industry.
As anticipation builds for *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, both Branagh and Streep have reiterated their commitment to delivering a film that maintains the charm of its predecessor while introducing new elements. The film is now playing in cinemas, and early reviews suggest that audiences are eager to see how the characters have matured over the past two decades.
In summary, the collaborative spirit between Branagh and Streep underscores a key theme of the film – the power of creativity in the face of familiarity. As they step back into their iconic roles, fans await the impact of their performances in what promises to be a delightful sequel.