Full Breakdown
Meryl Streep’s Salary Negotiation and Return in “The Devil Wears Prada 2”
4/30/2026, 2:52:00 AM
Decision to Decline and Reconsider the Miranda Priestly Role
In a 2026 “Today” interview, Meryl Streep explained she refused the role of Miranda Priestly in the 2006 film. After reviewing the script, she asked the producers to double her original compensation request; they agreed, leading her to accept the part.
Context: Career Stage and Anticipated Success
At the time of the negotiation, Streep was 56 years old and retirement-bound. She described the script as “great” and asserted she “knew it was going to be a hit.” The film later earned her an Oscar nomination and elevated her status as a box-office draw.
Key Participants in the 2026 Interview
The discussion featured Streep alongside “The Devil Wears Prada 2” castmates Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci. Host Jenna Bush Hager, who appears in the sequel, moderated the conversation.
Timeline of the Role and Subsequent Milestones
- 2006 – Original “The Devil Wears Prada” released; Streep negotiates salary and accepts the role.
- 2012 – Streep wins her third Academy Award for “The Iron Lady.”
- 2026 – Sequel announced; marks Streep’s first live-action movie performance in five years.
Quantitative Details
Age at negotiation: 56. Salary request: double the initial offer. Oscar outcome for the original film: nomination for Streep. Subsequent Oscar win: third Academy Award in 2012. Live-action hiatus prior to sequel: five years.
Impact on Streep’s Career Trajectory
The success of “The Devil Wears Prada” expanded Streep’s marketability, leading to projects such as “Mamma Mia!” and “It’s Complicated.” The upcoming sequel is positioned as a potential comeback after a period of limited live-action work.
Official Statements from Streep
Streep conveyed that the script’s quality convinced her of its commercial potential, prompting a firm salary demand. She emphasized that the agreement arrived swiftly, allowing her to join the project despite earlier thoughts of retirement. Her remarks underscore a career decision rooted in confidence about the film’s prospects.
Verbatim Quotes from the “Today” Interview
- “I knew it was going to be a hit.” — Meryl Streep
- “I read the script — the script was great.” — Meryl Streep
- “I said ‘No. I’m not going to do it.’” — Meryl Streep
- “I wanted to see if I doubled my ask, and they went right away and said ‘Sure.’” — Meryl Streep
- “I’m 56 years old — it took me this long to understand that I could do that!” — Meryl Streep
- “I was ready to retire.” — Meryl Streep
Upcoming Sequel and Streep’s Return to Live-Action
“The Devil Wears Prada 2,” slated for release twenty years after the original, will mark Streep’s first live-action movie performance in five years and is described as a potential comeback.
