Meryl Streep reveals shocking salary demand for The Devil Wears Prada: ‘They needed me’

by

I was shocked to learn that Meryl Streep almost didn’t play Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada! Apparently, she was ready to turn down the role if she hadn’t been paid what she deserved. It’s amazing to think we almost missed out on her incredible performance – I can’t imagine anyone else in that part now!

The 76-year-old Academy Award winner revealed she demanded a larger salary for the 2006 hit movie, and even considered retirement before accepting the role.

She shared these thoughts while appearing on Wednesday’s episode of Today, where she caught up with her co-stars Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci to discuss their new movie.

Streep said she loved the original script, but when she received an offer to be involved, she turned it down.

I was confident it would be successful, so I decided to test how much more money I could get. To my surprise, they immediately agreed to my increased request.

It struck me – I was between 50 and 60 years old – and it took me that long to realize I was capable of something new! I felt like people were counting on me, and I was actually prepared to step back from work. It was a real learning experience.

Meryl Streep reportedly earned $4 million for her performance as the cold and demanding editor-in-chief of the fictional Runway magazine, a role inspired by Vogue’s Anna Wintour. She won a Golden Globe for the part and was also nominated for an Oscar.

Anne Hathaway is said to have made $1 million for the 2006 movie, which was her biggest paycheck up to that point.

Reports indicate Blunt earned approximately $800,000, but Tucci’s earnings haven’t been revealed.

The film went on to become a global smash, grossing more than $325 million worldwide. 

In a recent conversation, Meryl Streep mentioned that people had started talking about making a sequel as early as 2009.

‘They started talking about a sequel, but we all waited until we had that good idea,’ she said.

As a huge fan, I was so thrilled to hear that Emily Charlton was coming back! Blunt herself said it felt essential to have the original four characters reunite, and I totally agree. Seeing her reprise the role of Miranda’s assistant is just fantastic.

‘There were mutterings and rumblings for years.’

Streep explained that it felt like a major change in the world was necessary for writer Aline Brosh McKenna to come up with a fresh and relevant concept.

These individuals were forced to deal with the dramatic changes happening in journalism, publishing, and politics. The entire landscape has shifted, and it’s interesting that their experience became a story in itself.

As for her paycheck for The Devil Wears Prada 2, Streep reportedly pocketed $20 million.  

News of the actor’s pay has surfaced just as the first reviews for ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ are coming in, and they aren’t very positive. It seems the sequel isn’t quite living up to expectations.

Many critics have criticized the film’s plot, calling it weak and a pale imitation of the first movie. Despite this, it’s predicted to be a huge commercial success, potentially earning $80 million in the US and $180 million worldwide during its opening weekend.

While some, like IndieWire’s Kate Erbland who called her ‘viciously funny,’ enjoyed Meryl Streep’s performance, most reviews weren’t as positive.

Erbland noted the story was quite simple and lacked the energy and excitement of the first film.

In a harsh review, Moira Macdonald of The Seattle Times criticized the film, saying it felt like uninspired fan fiction and lacked the charm of the original. She observed that the actors seemed to be simply going through the motions without bringing anything new to their roles.

In a review for Variety, Guy Lodge described the film as noticeably weaker than its predecessor. He found the story, emotional impact, and visuals less compelling, despite strong efforts from the actors, who didn’t offer anything unexpected.

He went on to say the sequel ‘functions less as a follow-up than as a kind of tribute act.’

In a review for Deadline, Damon Wise was direct, stating that a sequel to The Devil Wears Prada lacks a compelling plot. However, he did highlight Stanley Tucci’s performance, praising him for delivering the same charm and skill that made him so memorable in the first film and essentially ‘stealing the show’.

Wise also criticized the film’s minor romantic storylines, specifically those featuring Kenneth Branagh and Patrick Brammall as potential partners for Miranda and Andy.

In a review for The Hollywood Reporter, David Rooney felt the movie worked best when it focused on lighthearted, enjoyable references to the past.

William Bibbiani of TheWrap proposed that sequels only need to prove they’re worth making, but he believes this new film doesn’t quite meet that standard.

Ugh, honestly? The biggest problem with a potential ‘Devil Wears Prada 2’ is it just feels…directionless. Like, it doesn’t have a central idea, you know? It’s all just…stuff happening, and nothing really sticks with you after it’s over. It needs a focus, a core feeling, or it’s just going to be a mess! As a huge fan, it breaks my heart to say it, but it’s true.

The film doesn’t really explain why it needs to exist, only pointing out problems with the current state of journalism and suggesting that even wealthy benefactors might not be the answer. While that assessment might be accurate, it doesn’t make for a compelling movie.

It’s good to have everyone together, and they’re still enjoyable to be around, but perhaps they should have pursued a different path.

While many initial reactions were negative, some critics actually welcomed the sequel’s polished and exciting comeback.

Brian Truitt of USA Today noted the strong connection between Anne Hathaway and Stanley Tucci, and especially praised the engaging relationship between Emily Blunt’s and Hathaway’s characters, calling it a particularly effective element of the film’s classic feel.

In a review for The New Yorker, Justin Chang praised the film as being just as charming and visually appealing as the first, describing it as a luxurious and comfortable Manhattan fairytale filled with high-end fashion.

He added that, in some respects, the sequel even proves ‘savvier than its predecessor.’

Even film critic Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter had positive things to say, noting that if you’re hoping for stylish visuals, sharp wit, and another great performance by Meryl Streep as the powerful Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada 2, you probably won’t be let down.

Even though critics haven’t loved it, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is expected to be a big hit with audiences and could earn a lot of money at the box office.

Variety reports the upcoming sequel is predicted to open with $75 to $80 million domestically across about 4,100 theaters. Some estimates even go as high as $90 to $100 million, fueled by the continued popularity of the first film.

The movie is predicted to earn another $100 million internationally, bringing its total opening weekend earnings worldwide to between $175 million and $190 million.

The film cost around $100 million to make, and that doesn’t even include the significant amount spent on marketing it around the world.

This is a big increase from the first movie in 2006, which only cost $40 million to make.

The first movie earned $27.5 million in its opening weekend domestically, eventually grossing $125 million in North America and $325 million globally. However, the new sequel is predicted to have a stronger start, despite mixed reviews from critics.

Read More

2026-04-30 23:21