**Meryl Streep’s Method Acting Made for an Intense Atmosphere on ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Set**
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Emily Blunt, the British actress renowned for her versatility, has shared insights into the intense working environment that Meryl Streep cultivated on the set of the iconic film, *The Devil Wears Prada*. Streep, who portrayed the formidable editor Miranda Priestly, adopted a deeply immersive approach to her character, creating a somewhat intimidating atmosphere during filming.
In a recent exclusive interview on SiriusXM Front Row, hosted by Andy Cohen, Blunt recounted her experiences while working alongside Streep in the 2006 film. Reflecting on their time together, the 43-year-old actress admitted, “I mean, on the first one, I was quite scared because I feel like you were in a zone,” addressing Streep directly. The 76-year-old Oscar-winning actress confirmed, “Oh, yeah. I was in that zone,” reinforcing the gravity she brought to her performance.
Blunt’s comments highlighted the extent of Streep’s commitment to embodying her character. “She was in a Miranda zone,” Blunt remarked, referring to Streep’s portrayal of the high-powered fashion editor in the movie. Blunt noted that although Streep was not entirely closed off, there were moments when the cast could share humour with her, but she would not engage with her “extraordinary laugh” that Blunt was accustomed to hearing outside of work hours.
When Cohen pressed Streep about the challenges of her method approach, Streep responded unfazed, stating, “No.” She elaborated that her initial days on set involved observing the camera work alongside the director before performing her scenes, describing her process as maintaining “a slight remove” from the others. Streep explained that this method was necessary to convey the authority and aloofness of her character.
This immersive technique is not uncommon among actors who seek to portray complex roles convincingly. Streep reflected on a recent conversation with actress and director Greta Gerwig, who shared similar sentiments regarding the necessity of a barrier when stepping into a commanding role. Streep explained that to maintain her character’s dominance, she had to forgo some of the social bonding moments with her fellow cast members.
Describing the isolating nature of her commitment, Streep recalled feeling “miserable” while alone in her trailer, listening to the camaraderie of the cast as they enjoyed their time together in the makeup trailer. The actress and Cohen exchanged a light-hearted quip: “It’s lonely at the top,” pointing to the sacrifices actors often make in pursuit of their craft.
The sequel to *The Devil Wears Prada* is set to hit theatres on May 1, continuing the narrative of Miranda Priestly as she navigates the evolving landscape of the magazine industry. In this new instalment, Priestly faces off against Blunt’s character, who has now ascended to a powerful position in a luxury group with significant advertising revenue that Priestly desperately needs.
As the release date approaches, anticipation is building among fans of the original film. The dynamics between the returning characters, now evolved and introduced to new challenges, promise to explore deeper themes surrounding authority, ambition, and the cost of success in the cutthroat world of fashion.
In the world of cinema, the tales behind the scenes often shed light on the dedication and intensity that actors bring to their roles. Blunt’s reflections on Streep’s method acting serve as a reminder of the lengths to which performers go to deliver unforgettable portrayals, creating a lasting impact on audiences. With such a powerful duo back on screen, fans are certainly in for a treat when the sequel finally premieres.