Story perspectives

Meryl Streep Returns for ‘Devil Wears Prada 2’ $180M Opening

5/1/2026

Summary

Streep Salary Standoff

United States released “The Devil Wears Prada 2” on May 1, 2026, starring Meryl Streep (actress) as Miranda Priestly.
Meryl Streep (actress) refused the role, then doubled her salary demand, which the studio accepted.
The sequel is projected to earn nearly $180 million worldwide on its opening weekend.
Actresses Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt and actor Stanley Tucci reprise roles while actors Justin Theroux, Kenneth Branagh, Lucy Liu, Simone Ashley and Caleb Hearon join.

Summary

Streep Secures Salary

She demanded a double salary, which the studio accepted immediately.
Meryl Streep, 56 and considering retirement, was offered the role of Miranda Priestly.
The successful deal altered how she handles future contract negotiations.
The sequel marks her first live-action role in five years after focusing on musical and comedy projects.

History

Historical Context

During the May-October 2000 SAG-AFTRA commercial strike, unions secured a 140% rise in cable payments and a 41% jump in performers’ earnings, generating $750 million in revenue. That victory established a bargaining foothold later echoed in the 2023 strike over streaming residuals, shaping today’s star-fee negotiations for films such as “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

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Streep Salary Standoff

United States released “The Devil Wears Prada 2” on May 1, 2026, starring Meryl Streep (actress) as Miranda Priestly.
Meryl Streep (actress) refused the role, then doubled her salary demand, which the studio accepted.
The sequel is projected to earn nearly $180 million worldwide on its opening weekend.
Actresses Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt and actor Stanley Tucci reprise roles while actors Justin Theroux, Kenneth Branagh, Lucy Liu, Simone Ashley and Caleb Hearon join.

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