Meryl Streep's Surprising Revelation About Miranda Priestly's Inspiration
As anticipation builds for the upcoming sequel 'The Devil Wears Prada 2,' Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep has made a stunning revelation about the inspiration behind her iconic character Miranda Priestly. For nearly two decades, fans and critics have speculated that Streep's icy, commanding fashion editor was based on Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. However, during a recent television appearance, Streep definitively set the record straight with an unexpected disclosure.
The True Inspirations: Hollywood Legends Revealed
During her appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Streep revealed that she drew inspiration from two Hollywood heavyweights rather than the fashion world. "I was basically imitating Mike Nichols that whole time," Streep confessed about her performance in the 2006 film. She elaborated with a vivid comparison: "If Mike Nichols and Clint Eastwood had a baby... it would be Miranda Priestly."
Streep explained that Nichols' distinctive directing style significantly shaped her character's tone and presence on set. "The command on the set. And Mike would do it sort of with a sly humor," she described. "People take it as mean, but it's funny. I think it's funny." This insight provides a fresh perspective on Priestly's character, suggesting her intimidating demeanor contained subtle comedic elements that audiences might have missed.
Reflections on the Original Film's Legacy
During the same interview, Streep reflected on how 'The Devil Wears Prada' was initially received when it premiered in 2006. At the time, the film was frequently labeled a "chick-flick," a categorization Streep believes directly impacted its production budget and industry perception. Looking back nearly twenty years later, she suggested this classification hasn't aged well, particularly as female-led films have achieved remarkable commercial success.
"The films catch the studios by surprise when people want to see them, because they have girls in the center of the story, women in the center of the story," Streep observed, referencing blockbuster successes like Barbie and Mamma Mia! Her comments highlight the evolving landscape for women-centered narratives in Hollywood and the persistent underestimation of their commercial potential.
Behind-the-Scenes Reactions and Sequel Anticipation
Streep shared that while she hasn't informed Clint Eastwood about his unexpected connection to Miranda Priestly, she did reveal the inspiration to Mike Nichols before his passing. "I told Mike, and he was thrilled," she recalled, indicating the director appreciated the homage to his distinctive style and presence.
Now, Streep prepares to revisit the legendary role as 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' approaches its theatrical release on May 1. The sequel promises to bring back the beloved characters and fashion-forward drama that made the original a cultural phenomenon, with Streep's recent revelations adding new depth to understanding her iconic performance.
The actress's disclosure fundamentally reshapes how audiences might interpret Miranda Priestly's character, moving beyond the long-standing assumption about Anna Wintour to recognize the influence of two cinematic legends. This revelation arrives at a perfect moment, as excitement builds for the sequel and new generations discover the original film's enduring appeal.
