A look back at the cult comedy The Devil Wears Prada, which hit theaters two decades ago. A delightful movie led by Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway that’s well worth revisiting now.
Meryl Streep is a true film legend, known for powerful dramatic turns in movies like Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie’s Choice and The Bridges of Madison County. But she’s also shown she can shine in comedy — a fact underscored by her brilliant performance in The Devil Wears Prada, a modern favorite that’s already reached its twentieth anniversary.
Released in 2006, The Devil Wears Prada is a sharply funny comedy in which Anne Hathaway plays Andy (Andrea), a recent college graduate who moves to New York and lands what seems like an ideal job. As the assistant to the merciless editor-in-chief of a top fashion magazine — a role played by Meryl Streep — she quickly learns just how grueling that “dream” position can be.
Adapted from Lauren Weisberger’s novel of the same name, the film makes one thing clear: Meryl Streep is exceptional as the icy, domineering magazine boss inspired by Anna Wintour. The role demanded a lot from Streep and reportedly affected her emotionally during the shoot, to the point where she admitted feeling down afterward.
“People thought casting Meryl was crazy”
Streep’s performance in the cutthroat world of high fashion could have easily gone to someone else — many at the time doubted whether she had the comedic timing for the part. In 2006, there were plenty who questioned the idea of her playing Miranda Priestly.
Producer Wendy Finerman told the Hollywood Gold podcast that people called her up and said they thought the decision was insane. “There were calls telling me, ‘Have you lost your mind? She’s never been funny in her life,’” Finerman recounted. Those critics were wrong — Streep proved she could be hilarious, delivering one of her most memorable performances.
The Devil Wears Prada was not only critically praised but also a commercial hit, grossing more than $326 million worldwide and drawing nearly 2.2 million moviegoers in France. The film’s sharp writing and lively performances helped it earn a lasting place in pop culture, and it even spawned a sequel two decades later. Good news for new viewers: the movie is available on Disney+, so it’s easy to stream and enjoy one of Meryl Streep’s standout roles — a portrayal that earned her an Academy Award nomination.
Trailer for “The Devil Wears Prada”:
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A passionate journalist, Iris Lennox covers social and cultural news across the U.S.