The Return of Meryl Streep and the Fate of The Devil Wears Prada 2
The sequel to The Devil Wears Prada almost never came to life without Meryl Streep returning as Miranda Priestly. Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci have confirmed that her return was a non-negotiable condition for the entire cast and crew. Without Streep, the project would have been abandoned, highlighting the immense influence she has on the success of the franchise.
The original film, released in 2006, was already a hit, but its legacy was built around Streep’s iconic portrayal of the demanding editor-in-chief. Her return in the sequel was not just a nostalgic choice—it was a strategic decision that ensured the continuation of the story. As Emily Blunt explained during an interview with Rotten Tomatoes, there was an unspoken agreement among the cast: no Meryl Streep, no movie.
Blunt and Tucci, who are real-life siblings-in-law, had already begun informal discussions with Anne Hathaway about reprising their roles. However, the presence of Streep remained the most crucial element. “I think we were waiting to hear if Meryl was back? Like she was the one that was sort of like, I kind of knew we could corral like me and you and Annie,” Blunt said, emphasizing the importance of Streep’s involvement.
Stanley Tucci echoed this sentiment, stating, “If she didn’t do it, there wasn’t going to be a movie.” This clearly shows that the decision to move forward with the sequel was never really about the script or the timing—it was always about whether Streep would return.
Interestingly, Streep nearly turned down the original 2006 film as well. She initially declined the role before the producers agreed to meet her demands. Had she not taken the part, the entire franchise might have looked very different. There would have been no iconic Miranda Priestly, no legacy to build upon, and no sequel to follow two decades later.
A New Generation Joins the Runway
With Streep’s return confirmed, the sequel also brought in a fresh wave of talent to the high-fashion world of Runway. New faces joined the ensemble, adding a modern twist to the beloved franchise.
Simone Ashley plays Miranda Priestly’s current first assistant, Amari Mari, while Caleb Hearon steps in as second assistant Charlie. Pauline Chalamet appears as Runway editor Ilana Poole, and Helen J. Shen plays Jin Chao, assistant to Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs. These new characters bring a fresh dynamic to the story, expanding the world of The Devil Wears Prada.
Kendall Jenner, although not part of the main cast, became the face of the global marketing campaign. She starred in a viral promotional ad created by Ryan Reynolds’ agency, Maximum Effort, where she was humorously mistaken for a Runway job applicant. The ad received widespread attention and helped generate excitement for the film.
Box Office Success and Legacy
Released on May 1, 2026, The Devil Wears Prada 2 has already crossed $234 million globally, with a domestic opening of $77 million—the highest ever for a Meryl Streep film. It sits comfortably at number one at the box office, ahead of the Michael Jackson biopic. Twenty years after the original film, Miranda Priestly still runs the show.
The success of the sequel is a testament to the enduring appeal of the franchise and the impact of Meryl Streep’s performance. Her return not only secured the film’s production but also ensured its commercial and critical success.
What are your thoughts on Meryl Streep being the deciding factor behind The Devil Wears Prada 2? Let us know in the comments.
