Did Clint Eastwood and Mike Nichols inspire Meryl Streep's role in The Devil Wears Prada 2? Here's what she revealed about the character of Miranda Priestly

Clint Eastwood inspiration Meryl Streep's role as Miranda Priestly: Two decades after The Devil Wears Prada became a cultural phenomenon, American actress Meryl Streep is clearing up one of its biggest long-standing rumors.

The Devil Wears Prada Rumor Debunked: Meryl Streep Says Miranda Priestly Not Inspired by Anna Wintour

For years, fans believed her portrayal of the sharp and intimidating Miranda Priestly was inspired by Anna Wintour, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue and currently the global chief content officer and artist director at Condé Nast.

But speaking during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Streep revealed that the character was not inspired by Wintour.

Meryl Streep Reveals Real Inspiration Behind Miranda Priestly

Instead, she said Miranda Priestly was shaped by a mix of two directors she knew well: Mike Nichols and Clint Eastwood, as per a People report.

Streep said, “I was basically imitating Mike Nichols that whole time,” adding that, “If Mike Nichols and Clint Eastwood had a baby… it would be Miranda Priestly,” as quoted by People.

How Mike Nichols Shaped Miranda Priestly

She explained that Nichols influenced the character’s commanding presence, especially the way authority could come across with a layer of humor. His style on set, she noted, often felt sharp but was meant to be funny rather than harsh.

Streep shared that, “The command on the set. And Mike would do it sort of with a sly humor,” adding, “People take it as mean, but it’s funny. I think it’s funny,” as quoted by People.

Clint Eastwood’s Quiet Authority Influence on Miranda Priestly Character

Eastwood, on the other hand, inspired a quieter kind of control. Streep pointed out that he rarely raised his voice, instead speaking so softly that people had to lean in to listen, creating a different but equally powerful form of authority.

She shared that, “Clint would never raise his voice. He would direct and people had to lean forward to hear what he was saying,” as quoted by People.

While she hasn’t shared this comparison directly with Eastwood, she did tell Nichols about it, and he was "thrilled.”

The Devil Wears Prada 2 Release Date and What Fans Can Expect

The revelation adds a new layer to one of her most iconic roles, especially as excitement builds for The Devil Wears Prada 2, which is set to arrive in theaters on May 1.

Why Budget Struggles Affected the Original Devil Wears Prada Film

During the same appearance, Streep also reflected on how the original film was received back in 2006. At the time, it was often labeled a “chick-flick,” something she believes affected its budget.

Barbie and Mamma Mia!: How Female-Led Films Changed Hollywood Trends

Looking back, she suggested that perception hasn’t aged well, especially as female-led films like Barbie and Mamma Mia! have gone on to achieve major success, saying, 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,” as quoted by People.

Meryl Streep on Hollywood Evolution and Bigger Budgets Today

She revealed that, even though they had to "scramble for our budget" in the original Devil Wears Prada, she added that times have changed —and budgets along with them, saying, “I've talked to Greta [Gerwig] about it. That was true with Barbie a little bit in comparison to what they spend on other films. This one, honey, they spent the money,” as quoted by People.

FAQs

Was Miranda Priestly based on Anna Wintour?
No, Meryl Streep confirmed the character was not inspired by Anna Wintour.

How did Clint Eastwood influence the role?
His calm and quiet leadership style inspired a softer but powerful authority.