Meryl Streep has revealed her surprise at the overwhelming attention surrounding the filming of *The Devil Wears Prada 2*. The 76-year-old actress, who reprises her iconic role as the unyielding fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly, indicated that the intensity of interest exceeded her expectations.
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In an interview with *Harper’s Bazaar*, Streep reflected on the magnitude of excitement that surrounded the sequel, which is set to hit cinemas on May 1. “Even though we were aware of the impact of the first film two decades ago, I think none of us were prepared for the ambush of both goodwill and avid attention that engulfed us,” she noted. The actress remarked on the necessity for crowd control measures during filming, highlighting the presence of police barriers as a result of the large crowds.
Filming took place last summer against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, where Streep was joined by co-stars Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt. The production attracted significant attention, with throngs of fans and paparazzi eager to catch a glimpse of the cast in action. “Buses of fans turned up, and paparazzi swarmed,” Streep recounted, recounting an incident where photographers disrupted filming by jumping in front of the cameras. “Annie kept her cool, but I was unnerved,” Streep admitted, alluding to Hathaway’s calmer approach in the midst of the chaos.
The increased visibility and support from both fans and fashion brands during this sequel contrasted sharply with the experiences during the making of the original film in 2006. Hathaway, now 43, revealed how capturing the interest of fashion houses back then was quite a challenge. Conversely, Streep shared that this time around, the cast was even invited to attend prestigious events such as the Milan Fashion Week, allowing them to immerse themselves in the fashion world in a way that was not previously available.
Streep also had a memorable encounter at the Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2026 show in September, where she spent time with Anna Wintour, the former editor-in-chief of *Vogue*. Wintour’s influence was recognised as a key inspiration for Streep’s character in *The Devil Wears Prada*, making the meeting particularly poignant.
The Oscar-winning actress has undergone a significant personal evolution in her approach to acting since the first film. Streep disclosed her decision to move away from Method acting, describing her past experiences as “horrible”. Reflecting on her previous challenges, she said, “I was miserable in my trailer. I could hear them all rocking and laughing. I was so depressed!” This realisation prompted her to abandon the taxing method, marking a turning point in her career.
With this new outlook, Streep found filming the sequel to be an exhilarating experience. “It felt jubilant when I first got out on Sixth Avenue — where we filmed 20 years ago and nobody was interested,” she shared. The enthusiastic response from the public, including fans dressing up as her character for scenes shot at a supposed Met Ball, added to the excitement. “Honestly, it really threw me,” she confessed.
As the release date approaches, anticipation is mounting for *The Devil Wears Prada 2*. The sequel not only promises to capture the essence of its predecessor but also offers a fresh perspective shaped by the cast’s experiences over the past two decades. Streep’s reflections serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the original film and the vibrant world of high fashion that continues to captivate audiences around the globe.