Behind-the-scenes revelations on 'The Devil Wears Prada': Almost no Meryl Streep? Industry secrets unveiled!

In a recent podcast conversation on Hollywood Gold, producer Wendy Finerman revealed some surprising insights about the casting decisions for the iconic film 'The Devil Wears Prada'. Contrary to what many might assume, Meryl Streep, who portrayed the formidable Miranda Priestly, almost didn't land the role. According to Finerman, initial hesitations stemmed from a perception that Streep lacked comedic prowess. Despite doubts, the decision-makers were determined on Anne Hathaway, lauded for her 'all-American girl' image. Streep's casting raised eyebrows, but as Finerman attests, it added an element of unexpectedness to the movie.

While Streep is renowned for her dramatic performances, the podcast discussed her comedic flair in previous films like 'She-Devil' and 'Death Becomes Her'. This insight counters the common association of Streep solely with serious roles. Additionally, Finerman shared an intriguing anecdote about a situation where Streep's body double faced wardrobe challenges during filming in Paris, prompting an assistant's impromptu trip to deliver the required attire—an incident mirroring the style of Miranda Priestly herself.

Despite Streep's stellar portrayal, her journey into the character of Miranda Priestly wasn't without its challenges. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Streep admitted feeling "miserable" while immersing herself in the role, vowing to never attempt such intense Method acting again.


Recently, Hathaway and Emily Blunt, who played a significant role in the film as Priestly's assistant, reminisced about their first encounter on the set. Hathaway revealed her immediate impression of Blunt as a 'movie star,' despite the latter not being officially cast as the assistant at the time. Their heartfelt exchange highlighted Blunt's warm reception, even from someone already established in the industry. Their camaraderie, spanning 18 years, is a testament to the bonds forged during the making of this celebrated movie.