Kate Hudson Admits Huge Regret Over 'Devil Wears Prada' Role Rejection

Kate Hudson regrets passing up the opportunity to walk in Andy Sachs’ (designer) shoes.

19 years after “The Devil Wears Prada” was first released, the actress who starred in “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” admitted that she turned down an opportunity to play Anne Hathaway’s memorable character from “The Devil Wears Prada.” Looking back now, she admits there are some things she wishes she had done differently.

In an interview with Capital FM’s Capital Breakfast on February 21st, Kate expressed her disappointment by saying, “That decision was a mistake.” She explained that the issue stemmed from poor timing, and she acknowledged that she should have found a way to make it work but didn’t. When she saw the outcome, she felt a sense of dismay, remarking, “That’s when I let out an ‘Ugh.’

But despite what could have been, the 45-year-old added that, “everything happens for a reason.”

As an ardent admirer, I find myself drawn to express the intriguing rhythm of events unfolding, akin to the pulsating beats of different moments captured at disparate instances. It’s not about avoiding these occurrences; rather, it feels like there’s another engaging activity that diverts my attention. And boy, does it sting when I miss out, you know?

However, as Kate reminisces about the part she nearly played, the acclaimed movie is instead focusing on its upcoming chapters. For quite some time, whispers about a potential sequel have been circulating, with some original cast members expressing their thoughts on the matter.

Emily Blunt hinted during a talk at the Red Sea International Film Festival last December that there could be some exciting developments brewing, but she wasn’t able to reveal any specifics. She did suggest, however, that everyone involved would be thrilled if something were indeed in the works.

Even Stanley Tucci, the actor who portrayed art director Nigel, contributed to fueling fans’ anticipation about the potential continuation of his character’s narrative.

As a devoted admirer, I expressed to TopMob News in October that given the opportunity, I would gladly re-explore the topic at hand. With a grin, I hinted, “Perhaps.

But in order to return to the world of Runway Magazine, many pieces have to fall into place.

Stanley went on, “It was truly enjoyable, I must say. If it ever comes about – considering we’d need to sort out all the details – it would be a fantastic opportunity for everyone to enjoy.

From my perspective as a lifestyle expert, I must confess that I’ve had my doubts about the possibility of reuniting the cast for another installment featuring Andy Sachs.

The star of The Princess Diaries confessed to TopMob in October 2022 that they were not aware if something was happening regarding a potential series. However, they suggested that if it did, it might involve a new team, like how TV series are often based on hit movies. They speculated that the project could be heading in that direction, but they weren’t certain if any of the original cast would be involved.

While we eagerly follow the storyline of these cherished characters, continue reading to uncover some exhilarating mysteries hidden in the 2006 movie.

The movie adaptation for “The Devil Wears Prada” was already being planned before the book was even published. Just the first 100 pages and an outline were convincing enough for Fox executives, as they saw potential in the semi-autobiographical novel written by Lauren Weisberger about her short tenure as assistant to Anna Wintour at Vogue. According to Carla Hacken, former executive vice president of Fox 2000, she was the first one to read it and thought Miranda Priestly was an extraordinary villain. She also mentioned that they actively pursued acquiring the rights for this project.

The adaptation process commenced prior to the 2003 publication of the New York Times bestseller, and following attempts by four writers to develop a direct narrative, Aline Brosh McKenna was assigned to draft a fresh script centered around the personal sacrifices women often make in order to advance within the fashion magazine hierarchy. “I completed a first draft fairly swiftly – it required approximately a month,” McKenna shared with the outlet, “After which I revised it based on everyone’s feedback.

2. The legend surrounding Anna Wintour posed numerous challenges during the filmmaking process. As McKenna recounted to Entertainment Weekly about her research, “I encountered immense difficulty finding anyone in the fashion industry willing to talk to me, as people were fearful of Anna and Vogue, afraid of being ostracized.” The only person who confided in me, whose identity I’ll never reveal, criticized the film characters for being overly nice. This individual remarked, “No one in that world is too nice. They don’t have to be, and they don’t have time to be.” Consequently, I revised the script to make the characters more preoccupied and less agreeable.

In his conversation with Entertainment Weekly, director David Frankel acknowledged finding it challenging to secure locations due to Wintour’s wide influence. He explained that the Met Ball made the Metropolitan Museum unwilling to collaborate with them, while Bryant Park, then the long-standing venue for New York Fashion Week, was also off the table.

He mentioned that despite some noteworthy apartment buildings being potential options for Miranda’s apartment, the cooperative boards rejected our application. In the end, we were fortunate enough to obtain a five-story townhouse on the Upper East Side from a friend of producer Wendy Finerman.

3. However, they managed to excel in one area. “Our only connection with Vogue was Jess Gonchor, the production designer,” Frankel shared with EW. “He secretly visited their offices to see Anna’s office, and he recreated it so accurately that I was told Anna redecorated hers right after the movie release.

4. The wardrobe posed an unusual problem too. At first, Frankel admitted to EW, they struggled to persuade well-known designers to contribute clothes for the movie: “They were reluctant to risk angering Anna.

Legendary fashion enthusiast Patricia Field gracefully entered, skillfully curating a collection of approximately 150 items from Donna Karan, Zac Posen, Rick Owens, and indeed Prada. She ensured each piece was distinctively different, setting Meryl Streep’s impeccable Miranda Priestly apart from Anna Wintour. As Streep humorously recalls, “She borrowed everything; we had to be very mindful not to consume spaghetti at lunch, as it might stain and couldn’t be returned!

5. And Wintour has a bit of a chuckle about the situation. In an interview for Vogue’s 125th anniversary issue, Streep discussed her role in portraying Wintour’s late friend Katherine Graham in the 2017 film The Post. When asked about the most difficult character she’s ever played, Streep hesitated before replying, “I suppose…” but Wintour quickly interjected with a laugh, “No, no! We’re not delving into that, Meryl.

6. Wintour indeed went to the same screening as her ex-aide Weisberger. Later, when speaking with 60 Minutes, she described the movie as an amusing event rather than an accurate portrayal of the inner workings of that particular magazine.

7. Among all other candidates, Streep was undoubtedly the best fit for the role of Miranda, as acknowledged by studio VP Hacken to Variety. In her own words, she confessed that no other actresses were seriously considered. Her fervent prayer was simply, “Please God—let it be Meryl.” Upon hearing that the Academy Award-winning actress agreed to meet with the director following a script reading, Hacken momentarily paused his conversation to rejoice. “I was elated in my office,” he admitted.

Meryl Streep expressed her admiration for the character’s unwavering courage and refusal to back down, stating, “I found it refreshing that she didn’t shy away from the unpleasant aspects of her personality. The truly intimidating aspects were her lack of attempts to win people over, a trait often seen as a female tactic in situations where one seeks compliance – something my friend Carrie Fisher referred to as ‘the squeezy and tilty.’ [Miranda] didn’t resort to any of that.

8. In a manner reminiscent of Miranda Priestly, before taking on the role, Streep boldly demanded a fair compensation. Even with two Oscars and eleven nominations to her name at that point, she hadn’t often negotiated for higher pay. However, this time, she chose to voice her request.

She clarified to Variety that the initial offer seemed, to her, somewhat undervalued or not fully representative of her true worth to the project. She mentioned that there was a point where she felt it was time to leave, and then the offer was doubled. At 55 years old, she had only recently learned how to negotiate for herself.

9. Apart from other obligations, Streep requested two specific scenes to avoid over-exaggerating Miranda’s character: The first was a scene focusing on fashion, where Miranda tutors Andy about the importance of her bright blue sweater, and the second was a vulnerable moment, showing Miranda without her protective facade in the hotel room.

Meryl Streep’s white hair was also part of her character, as she arrived for her studio meeting with icy-looking locks. According to director Frankel, when speaking to Entertainment Weekly, “Meryl embodied Miranda during that discussion, and there was no need for a discussion about the hairstyle; they simply looked into Meryl’s eyes and remained silent.

10. Anne Hathaway worked more diligently to land her role compared to Andy, who had a relatively easy time securing his part as Miranda’s assistant. Although she didn’t have it as tough as it might seem, during an interview on RuPaul’s Drag Race, she admitted that she was actually the ninth choice for The Devil Wears Prada.

Despite Hathaway not needing to audition, she had to exercise patience. And, as a determined move, she embarked on a persistent effort that involved writing “hire me” in the serene sand of Hacken’s zen garden. When Hathaway eventually received the news, she was in her bedroom getting dressed. “I had some friends over,” she shared with the outlet. “I recall rushing out into my living room, only half-dressed, shouting—’I got The Devil Wears Prada! I got The Devil Wears Prada!’

It was advantageous for Hathaway as the executives’ preferred option declined their offer on multiple occasions. Director Frankel revealed to Entertainment Weekly that they had approached Rachel McAdams three times, who at that time was filming Fox’s The Family Stone. Having just finished Mean Girls and The Notebook, McAdams opted against taking on another mainstream production. As Frankel stated, “The studio persisted in wanting her, while she persistently refused to participate.

Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway’s performances in the 2005 Oscar-winning film “Brokeback Mountain” played a significant role in securing the casting of The Princess Diaries alum. According to Frankel, Streep watched that particular scene from the movie, then met with her, later calling up Tom Rothman at Fox and expressing her belief that they would work well together.

12. Finding the right actress for Emily proved to be quite a task. Frankel observed over a hundred women trying out for Miranda’s stern personal assistant (including Tracie Thoms, who later returned and auditioned for Lily, Andy’s best friend), but it was Emily Blunt, dressed in a casual manner, who stood out to him.

While Emily Blunt was on the 20th Century Fox studio lot trying out for a role in the 2006 fantasy film Eragon, a casting director asked her to audition for The Devil Wears Prada. However, she was running late for the airport at that time and admitted on The Late Late Show in May 2021 that she was flustered. So, she read for the part, but she was wearing sweatpants, which didn’t fit the character’s image at all.

A few days had passed, and still dwelling on her regret over not securing a role in Eragon, Blunt received a call from Frankel. As she explained to Varity, this conversation took place in a seedy London club. She called him back from the restroom, and he said, “I was considering you for the part based on the tape, but the studio wants to see you again. Could you repeat your audition, but this time, try to look more like the character?

13. She had perfectly fit the role. Initially, Emily was intended to be American, but when screenwriter McKenna listened to Blunt deliver her sharp one-liners in her British accent, they decided to modify the script to include more British expressions, as McKenna explained to Entertainment Weekly.

In one scene from the film, Blunt took a line that she overheard a harried mom saying at a supermarket. “It turns out I take things from people I encounter,” the actress admitted on The Howard Stern Show. She recalled witnessing a mother speaking to her child in the store and using the phrase, which has since become well-known. The mother exclaimed at her child, moving her hand open and closed, saying, “Yeah, I’m listening, and I want to listen to this.” Blunt then incorporated that line into the movie.

14. Apart from his acting prowess, Stanley Tucci was instrumental in creating memorable dialogue for certain roles. Following a lengthy search for the perfect actor to portray ‘Runway’ art director Nigel, Tucci stepped into the role just before time ran out as reported by Entertainment Weekly. He then successfully embodied Nigel’s dry wit and even improvised some of the character’s most famous one-liners.

In a conversation with Buzzfeed, Tucci noted his appreciation for the humorous moment when Miranda enters the office for the first time and everyone reacts in a fluster. He added that they all couldn’t stop laughing, with David constantly providing new lines like “Gird your loins,” which eventually made it into the final script. Among the discarded lines was one he shared with Entertainment Weekly: “‘Raise your tits!'” – a line he came up with on the spot during their laughter-filled sessions.

15. It’s no surprise that his most cherished keepsake from the movie is his family. Tucci maintained a strong bond with his costar Blunt, which led to an invitation to her 2010 wedding with John Krasinski. This was where he rekindled a relationship with his current wife, Felicity Blunt, a literary agent. They tied the knot in 2012 and since then have been blessed with children named Matteo and Emilia.

However, as Tucci shared with People, it was at the movie’s 2006 premiere where he first encountered his current spouse. At that moment, he was still married to his late wife, Kate Tucci, who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. “I finished the film, she began her treatments, we had the premiere, and then she lived for four more years afterwards,” he clarified. “Interestingly enough, Felicity – Emily’s sister, my wife – spoke with Kate at the premiere that night, and I have a photo of them together, which is quite peculiar.

16. Similar to Hathaway, Thoms recalls vividly the instant she heard she would portray Lily, an occasion that happened on her 30th birthday in August 2005. The actress starring in Rent felt fairly assured about her audition—”By then, my career had led me into a best friend role. So I thought, ‘Lily’s a breeze. That’s perfect for me.'”—but she was equally excited when she learned the news.

She reminisced to TopMob News about being in Dartmouth where she participated in a workshop for a new play written by Alan Ball. During lunch in the cafeteria, she received some exciting news – she had been cast in “The Devil Wears Prada”. This happened on her birthday and made it a memorable one, as she joyfully shared with TopMob News.

17. Thomas also recalls seeing Adrian Grenier, who was extremely popular during the peak of his “Entourage” stardom, being surrounded by fans and gracefully handling each autograph request by distributing copies of his alternative folk band, The Honey Brothers’ CD.

Thoms remarked about Grenier, who played Nate, Andy’s boyfriend: “He took the chance to highlight his bandmates since he wasn’t the lead singer of the band,” Thoms observed. “I admired how he handled everyone with care and respect, acknowledging their support and in turn, returning that support to his fellow band members.

18. As a die-hard fan, I can honestly say that the experience was nothing short of extraordinary—”It felt like we were living our own version of ‘Sex and the City.’ Of course, it wasn’t exactly that, but there was definitely a strong New York vibe, a sense of urban sophistication, and an undercurrent of adulting challenges.” However, looking back, I do have one lingering wish.

In a pivotal scene, she intentionally chose to withhold a glance at the stunning Marc Jacobs bag, which both Lily and Thoms couldn’t help but drool over. She explained her reason by saying, “I instructed the props team not to reveal the handbag while we were filming, so the reactions would be authentic.” This led to the audible gasps, eager grabbing, and excited cries of “Give it to me, give it to me!” because the bag was truly magnificent.

She confessed to TopMob News that the bag was so appealing, she had planned a scheme to keep it. However, the part where she intended to accidentally leave the purse in her trailer and then return later for it, was removed from the scene. Consequently, she didn’t go back to work to retrieve the bag, which turned out to be rather unfortunate.

19. Initially, it was Meryl Streep who wasn’t planning to visit Paris. At first, no one intended to go to Paris to shoot the final scenes for Miranda and Andy’s trip to Paris Fashion Week. Frankel expressed shock when he shared this with Variety. However, during production, he managed to create a promotional video, or a “sizzle reel,” which ultimately convinced the studio to release the film during summer, with an expanded budget.

Hathaway and Simon Baker, playing the role of Christian (her other romantic interest), traveled to France for a two-day filming stint, while Streep recorded her scenes in New York City. The production team stated that it would be excessively costly to send Streep abroad.

20. In truth, Streep regretted not joining in on much of the merriment. Opting to immerse herself deeply into her Miranda character and mostly avoid any playful banter on set was an ordeal she lamented about later to EW. “I could hear everyone having fun and laughing,” she said, feeling quite glum. “I was so miserable! I declared, ‘This is the cost of being the boss!’ That’s when I decided never again to attempt a Method acting approach!

Prior to Meryl Streep freezing up, she briefly motivated, as Hathaway shared with People, saying, “I just wanted to tell you that I believe you’re going to do wonderfully, and it’s a pleasure working with you…and that will be the last nice thing I say to you.

That’s all.

2025-02-21 21:20

Kate Hudson Admits Huge Regret Over ‘Devil Wears Prada’ Role Rejection

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