Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway are set to return to the big screen in ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’, a sequel eagerly anticipated by fans since its announcement. With a release date scheduled for May 1, 2024, the excitement surrounding this cinematic comeback has been heightened by recent appearances from both actresses, stirring up fond memories of the original 2006 classic.
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During an appearance on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’, Streep sported a cerulean blue sweater, evoking the film’s memorable monologue where her character, the formidable Miranda Priestly, educates Anne Hathaway’s Andrea Sachs about the nuances of colour in fashion. This iconic scene solidified the term ‘cerulean’ in popular culture, and Streep’s choice of attire served as a delightful reminder of their shared history.
Anne Hathaway too has been embracing the nostalgia. Just days before Streep’s appearance, Hathaway was captured on social media wearing a white hoodie emblazoned with a large cerulean square and the word “ceruleo,” linking back to the celebrated dialogue of the original film. Both stars’ sartorial choices appear to be a playful nod to their past roles, sparking enthusiasm among fans as the release date approaches.
Meryl Streep took this opportunity to reflect on how perceptions of female-led films have shifted since ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ first made its mark in 2006. She noted during her conversation with Colbert that the film was often pigeonholed as a “chick flick,” a label that negatively influenced its budget and marketing efforts. Streep remarked on how societal views surrounding female-centric stories have evolved, especially in light of successful movies like ‘Barbie’ and ‘Mamma Mia!,’ which have proven that stories featuring women can generate significant interest and appeal.
Streep acknowledged that expectations surrounding film budgets have distinctly transformed. She mentioned past conversations with filmmaker Greta Gerwig regarding a similar narrative shift with ‘Barbie.’ Her remarks indicate a sign of progress in the film industry: “So we had to scramble for our budget,” she recalled, reflecting on the initial struggles to secure adequate funding and support for female-led projects.
The actress revealed that this time around, the situation has markedly improved. “This one, honey, they spent the money,” Streep commented, showcasing how studios are now more willing to invest in productions starring female leads, a trend that she hopes will continue within the wider industry.
Hathaway has also weighed in on the changing landscape of fashion within films. In a prior interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she recounted the difficulties of collaborating with fashion brands while working on the original film. In contrast, she noted that the sequel allows for a far more authentic experience, even affording the cast opportunities to attend prestigious fashion shows during Milan Fashion Week.
Streep shared her perspective on the film industry’s evolution and the fashion world during her interview, noting her observations about model physiques. She expressed concern over the continued trend of alarmingly thin models on the runway, revealing that both she and Hathaway noticed this issue during the recent fashion shows. Streep affirmed Hathaway’s proactive approach in addressing these concerns with producers, ensuring that the models featured in their sequel would represent a healthier standard.
“Annie clocked it too,” Streep stated, commending Hathaway for her initiative. “She made a beeline to the producers about it, securing promises that the models wouldn’t be so skeletal!” Streep’s comments highlighted the importance of representation and health in the industry, echoing ongoing discussions about body image and diversity in fashion.
As ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ prepares to hit cinemas, it stands at the intersection of nostalgia and contemporary cultural discourse. With its star-studded cast and a storyline that promises to resonate with both old and new generations of viewers, the sequel is set to not only entertain but also challenge perceptions of women in film and fashion. As anticipation builds, it remains to be seen how this latest chapter will unfold in the timeless tale of ambition, fashion, and female empowerment.