Meryl Streep Embraces Role as Advocate for Older Women in Hollywood
Legendary actress Meryl Streep has expressed her pride in representing older women through her return as the formidable Miranda Priestly in the upcoming sequel 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'. Speaking at a press conference in Japan alongside co-star Anne Hathaway, Streep emphasized that such prominent roles for women in their seventies are exceptionally rare in mainstream film.
A Standout Role in an Age-Biased Industry
Streep, who will soon celebrate her 77th birthday, articulated the uniqueness of her part. "I do think that there's something in this one that's unusual, because you don't see many 70-, almost 77-year-old women playing parts like this in any movie or under any circumstance," she stated, as reported by People magazine. "So I'm happy to represent."
She further critiqued the industry's tendency to marginalize women over 50. "Often women over 50, I'd say, disappear into the woodwork. Their interests and opinions are less valued in our culture," Streep observed. She finds it encouraging to portray a character like Miranda Priestly, who wields significant power and remains highly relevant, challenging these pervasive stereotypes.
'The Devil Wears Prada 2': Cast, Plot, and Release Details
The highly anticipated sequel, set for theatrical release on May 1, reunites Streep with original cast members Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci. The film returns to the high-stakes world of Runway magazine, where Miranda Priestly continues to reign supreme.
According to Variety, the plot follows Priestly "as she navigates her career amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing and as she faces off against Blunt's character, now a high-powered executive for a luxury group with advertising dollars that Priestley desperately needs."
The sequel expands its ensemble with new cast members, including:
- Kenneth Branagh
- Lucy Liu
- Justin Theroux
- B.J. Novak
- Pauline Chalamet
- Patrick Brammall
- Caleb Hearon
- Helen J. Shen
- Conrad Ricamora
Returning actors include Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman as Lily and Irv, respectively. Notably, Adrian Grenier will not reprise his role in this installment.
Streep's Recent Projects and Industry Impact
Beyond this sequel, Streep remains active in the industry. She recently lent her voice to a character in Pixar's 'Hoppers' and made a voice cameo in Ryan Gosling's 'Project Hail Mary'. Her return to one of her most iconic characters nearly 20 years after the original 2006 film underscores her enduring influence and the growing conversation about age and gender representation in Hollywood.
Streep's commentary and this high-profile sequel serve as a powerful reminder of the need for diverse, substantive roles for women of all ages in cinema, making 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' a significant cultural moment beyond its entertainment value.
