Meryl Streep has shared insights into her upcoming film, “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” stating that audiences can anticipate a more nuanced portrayal of her character, Miranda Priestly. During an appearance on the Hits Radio Breakfast Show, the celebrated actress offered her thoughts on the current state of the film industry and the impact of superhero films on contemporary storytelling.
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Streep, known for her profound performances and three Academy Awards, noted that the prevalence of the Marvel cinematic universe has led to a narrative trend favouring simplistic character archetypes—consistently pitting good against evil. She remarked, “I think we tend to Marvel-ize the movies now. We got the villains and we got the good guys, and it’s so boring.” This statement suggests her desire for more depth in characterisation, something she believes her sequel to the iconic 2006 film offers.
Describing the character of Miranda Priestly in the sequel, Streep expressed her excitement about presenting a “realistic view” of the editor-in-chief’s evolution. “What’s really interesting about life is that some of the heroes are flawed and some of the villains are human and interesting and have their own strengths,” she explained. “So that’s what I like about this [movie]. It’s messier.” This perspective underscores the complexity of human relationships and conflicts, allowing the film to explore moral ambiguity.
In the sequel, Priestly reunites with Anne Hathaway’s character, Andy Sachs, who has now ascended to the role of features editor at Runway magazine. The duo faces new challenges, including the task of enticing Priestly’s former assistant, Emily Charlton, played by Emily Blunt, who has taken the reins at Dior’s U.S. division. This dynamic not only revisits familiar relationships but also introduces fresh tensions and collaborations within the high-stakes world of fashion.
Streep reflected on the experience of returning to her role after so many years, describing it as a relatively “easy” process. She elaborated, “I think you keep these characters. I liked discovering [Miranda] again.” This notion of rediscovering a character after a significant gap indicates that Streep has found layers within Priestly that she is eager to share with audiences.
The announcement of “The Devil Wears Prada 2” arrives amidst a busy year for Marvel Studios, which has two major films slated for release: “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and “Avengers: Doomsday.” Despite Streep’s absence from the superhero genre, her remarks highlight a growing discontent with the conventional storytelling approaches that have gained dominance in the industry.
As filmgoers prepare for the sequel’s release, the conversation stirred by Streep serves as a reminder of the shifting landscape of cinema. While blockbuster franchises have captured significant audience attention, there remains a call for stories that delve deeper into character complexities and moral dilemmas—a sentiment echoed by many artists within the industry.
“The Devil Wears Prada 2” is currently showing in theatres, and fans are eager to witness the evolution of Miranda Priestly and her intricate relationships. Streep’s insights not only promote the film but also challenge broader industry trends, prompting discussions about the types of stories that merit attention and exploration in contemporary cinema.