Rachel McAdams Declined Devil Wears Prada Lead Three Separate Times
In a stunning Hollywood revelation that reshapes cinematic history, director David Frankel has confirmed that Rachel McAdams was offered the iconic role of Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada not once, but three separate times. The actress, riding high on the massive success of The Notebook and Mean Girls, repeatedly turned down the part that would ultimately define Anne Hathaway's career.
Studio's Persistent Pursuit and McAdams' Firm Refusal
According to Frankel's interview with Entertainment Weekly, the film's studio was absolutely determined to cast McAdams as their lead. "The studio was determined to have her, and she was determined not to do it," Frankel recalled. This created a significant casting dilemma during pre-production for the 2006 fashion industry classic.
McAdams' reluctance reportedly stemmed from her desire to step away from big studio productions following her breakthrough success. She sought smaller, more personal projects rather than another major Hollywood vehicle, despite the studio's persistent offers.
Anne Hathaway's Relentless Campaign for the Role
With McAdams firmly declining, the casting search expanded to include numerous Hollywood stars:
- Scarlett Johansson
- Natalie Portman
- Kate Hudson
- Kirsten Dunst
Meanwhile, Anne Hathaway launched what can only be described as a full-scale campaign to secure the part. The studio initially hesitated, wanting someone with greater box office appeal at the time, but Hathaway refused to give up.
"It spoke to me. It made me feel. It was about a subject that I take very seriously, but in such a wonderfully joyful and lighthearted way," Hathaway explained about her connection to the material.
Her determination manifested in creative ways, including writing "hire me" in the zen garden of Fox 2000's then-vice president. She made multiple presentations to studio executives, passionately arguing why she was the perfect choice for Andy Sachs.
Meryl Streep's Crucial Intervention
The casting breakthrough came when Meryl Streep, who had been cast as Miranda Priestly, intervened on Hathaway's behalf. Streep herself had nearly been passed over for her iconic role but once committed, she insisted on meeting Hathaway.
"Meryl was eager to make the movie, and she said 'let me meet with her,'" Frankel recounted. Streep watched Hathaway's performance in the upcoming Brokeback Mountain, met with the young actress, and then called Fox executive Tom Rothman with her endorsement: "Yeah, this girl's great, and I think we'll work well together."
Hathaway's Triumphant Moment and Lasting Legacy
When Hathaway finally received the offer, her reaction was pure elation. "I patiently waited until it was my turn, and I got the call. It was the easiest yes in the world," she remembered. "I just ran screaming through my apartment. I had a bunch of friends over at the time, I just jumped up in the living room and screamed, 'I'm going to be in The Devil Wears Prada!'"
The film became a cultural phenomenon, with Hathaway's portrayal of Andy Sachs—the fashion-averse journalist transformed by her experience at Runway magazine—resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. The character's journey from overwhelmed assistant to self-assured professional, complete with ethical dilemmas about ambition and personal values, struck a universal chord.
Behind-the-Scenes Revelations and Method Acting Misery
Streep later revealed she attempted method acting for her portrayal of the intimidating Miranda Priestly but absolutely hated the experience. "It was horrible! I was [miserable] in my trailer," she confessed. "I could hear them all rocking and laughing. I was so depressed! I said, 'Well, it's the price you pay for being boss!' That's the last time I ever attempted a Method thing!"
Despite the on-screen tension, Hathaway felt supported by her legendary co-star. "I always felt cared for," she said, recalling how Streep would adjust her own performance to help Hathaway achieve emotional breakthroughs during difficult scenes.
The Highly Anticipated Sequel
The original creative team is reuniting for The Devil Wears Prada 2, with Hathaway, Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci all returning to their iconic roles. The sequel jumps forward in time to explore the dramatically changed landscape of fashion journalism.
Key developments in the upcoming film include:
- Andy Sachs returning to Runway magazine in the digital age
- Miranda Priestly fighting to maintain the magazine's relevance
- Emily Charlton transformed from overworked assistant to luxury fashion powerhouse
- The shifting power dynamics in both fashion and journalism industries
Directed once again by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is scheduled for theatrical release on May 1, 2026. The recently released trailer has generated massive online excitement, promising runway spectacles, global settings, and high-stakes drama that builds upon the original film's legacy while exploring contemporary industry challenges.
