It’s honestly hard to imagine The Devil Wears Prada without Meryl Streep, but surprisingly, that almost happened. In a recent chat on the Today show, where she appeared alongside co-stars Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, Streep casually dropped a behind-the-scenes story that completely changes how we look at that iconic casting. Turns out, she initially said no to the role that would later become one of the most defining performances of her career.
What makes it even more interesting is that Streep wasn’t unsure about the film at all — she actually knew it was going to be a hit. According to her, the script immediately stood out, and she could sense the potential right from the start. But instead of jumping in, she chose to step back and negotiate in a way she hadn’t done before. She doubled her asking price, almost as a test, expecting resistance. Instead, the makers agreed instantly. That moment, in her own words, felt like a turning point — not just for the film, but for how she viewed her own worth in the industry.
Looking back, Streep described that phase of her life with a mix of honesty and disbelief. At 56, she said she was already thinking about stepping away from acting altogether. It’s wild to think that just before playing Miranda Priestly — a character now etched into pop culture — she was considering retirement. There was a quiet confidence in her decision though. She knew the film needed her, and at the same time, she was prepared to walk away if her terms weren’t met. That balance between self-belief and detachment is probably what made the whole moment so defining.
And then came what followed — a completely unexpected second wave in her career. After The Devil Wears Prada, Streep didn’t slow down at all. In fact, she entered one of the most commercially successful phases of her career. Films like Mamma Mia! and It’s Complicated kept her firmly in the spotlight, while her performance in The Iron Lady earned her yet another Academy Award. It’s almost ironic — the role she nearly rejected ended up unlocking an entirely new chapter for her.
Now, with The Devil Wears Prada 2 officially happening nearly two decades later, the timing feels full circle. The sequel isn’t just another continuation — it marks Streep’s return to live-action films after a noticeable gap of around five years. That alone adds a layer of curiosity around the project. Fans aren’t just looking forward to Miranda Priestly’s comeback, they’re also wondering how the character — and Streep herself — will evolve in today’s world.
What makes this story stick is how close we came to a completely different reality. A different actress, a different Miranda, maybe even a different legacy for the film. But in the end, it all came down to one decision — a bold ask, a confident pause, and a yes that changed everything.
