Meryl Streep has made bold statements about the current state of cinema, criticizing what she sees as a lack of depth in modern filmmaking. The acclaimed actress recently joined Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt for a discussion about The Devil Wears Prada 2, but the conversation quickly evolved into a broader critique of the film industry.
During the interview, Streep expressed her belief that contemporary movies have become overly simplistic, favoring clear-cut heroes and villains over more nuanced storytelling. She specifically called out the superhero genre, which she feels has contributed to this trend. “I think we tend to Marvel-ize the movies now,” she said. “We got the villains and we got the good guys, and it’s so boring.”
For Streep, the most compelling stories are those that embrace complexity and ambiguity. She highlighted how real life is rarely black and white, and she believes that films should reflect this reality. “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 added. This philosophy is evident in The Devil Wears Prada 2, where Miranda Priestly remains a character who defies easy categorization. She is neither purely villainous nor entirely heroic, making her one of the most intriguing figures in film history.
Streep’s return to the role of Miranda Priestly was not without its challenges. After nearly two decades, she agreed to reprise the character only after the studio doubled her original salary from the 2006 film. This negotiation was a lesson she wishes she had learned earlier in her career.
Beyond her work on The Devil Wears Prada 2, Streep is already looking ahead to her next projects. One of the most anticipated is a Joni Mitchell biopic directed by Cameron Crowe, in which she will play the older version of the iconic singer-songwriter. This casting was officially confirmed in early 2026 by music executive Clive Davis. She may also return to Only Murders in the Building as Loretta Durkin in Season 6, expected in summer 2026. Additionally, there are rumors of her involvement in Greta Gerwig’s Narnia adaptation, though this has yet to be confirmed.
While these upcoming projects generate excitement, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is already making waves at the box office. The film pulled in around $10 million during Thursday previews alone, with global early totals reaching approximately $50.5 million. Analysts predict a domestic opening weekend of between $75 million and $85 million across roughly 4,150 theaters. This represents a significant increase from the original film’s $27.5 million debut in 2006, suggesting that audiences are embracing the kind of messy, complex storytelling that Streep advocates for.
As the debate over the direction of modern cinema continues, Meryl Streep’s comments have sparked conversations about the value of complexity in storytelling. Her work, both on and off screen, reflects a commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. Whether through her roles or her public statements, she remains a powerful voice in the film industry.
