The Devil Wears Prada 2 Is Only Happening Because Anne Hathaway Refused To Back Down 20 Years Ago

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The sequel to The Devil Wears Prada will arrive in theaters on Friday, May 1, 2026—twenty years after the first film unexpectedly became a big success. Before the 2006 movie came out, many thought it would be a typical lighthearted film geared towards women, though interest in the original book and Meryl Streep’s involvement suggested it had potential.

Choosing the actress to play Andy Sachs, the assistant to the demanding Miranda Priestly, was a crucial decision. Director Fox really wanted Rachel McAdams – she’d become a rising star after appearing in popular movies like The Notebook and Mean Girls just two years before, and he offered her the part three separate times.

McAdams declined the role because she was deliberately scaling back her work in big Hollywood movies. The studio then offered the part to actresses known for independent films or those with experience in more serious dramatic roles, such as Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, Kate Hudson, and Kirsten Dunst.

I always loved hearing the story about Anne Hathaway landing the role of Andy in The Devil Wears Prada. Apparently, she wasn’t even Fox’s first choice! At that point in her career, after films like Ella Enchanted and The Princess Diaries, everyone saw her as this sweet, innocent actress. She really had to fight to convince the studio she could pull off the more ambitious, tough side of Andy after her makeover. It just shows how determined she was!

Anne Hathaway really went all out to get the part, even writing “Hire me!” in the sand of a zen garden on one of the executive’s desks. It’s funny because this aggressive campaigning is the opposite of what her character, Andy, does in the movie – she gets the job even though she doesn’t have the right experience. Still, Hathaway was the final ingredient that made the cast of The Devil Wears Prada perfect.

How Anne Hathaway’s Casting Made The Devil Wears Prada So Iconic

In the end, Anne Hathaway’s determination was key to the film’s success. It’s ironic that the movie’s plot revolves around characters doubting Andy’s fit at Runway, because studio bosses initially had similar doubts about Hathaway herself.

Anne Hathaway’s initially charming portrayal is key to the film’s overall impact. We first meet Andy as someone a little naive and unfamiliar with the fashion industry, making her eventual change feel earned and genuine, not just about appearances. Her gentle nature stands out against the more assertive personalities around her, creating a vital balance.

The side characters are sharply witty and represent common figures in the fashion world, highlighting the tough environment at Runway. While they provide humor and context, the story focuses on Andy’s personal journey as she transforms from an inexperienced newcomer into someone accepted by the industry, and eventually, as she rediscovers what truly matters to her.

The Devil Wears Prada Cast
Actor Role Known For Before Known For After
Meryl Streep Miranda Priestly Kramer v. Kramer, Sophie’s Choice Mamma Mia!, Julie & Julia
Anne Hathaway Andy Sachs The Princess Diaries, Ella Enchanted, Brokeback Mountain The Dark Knight Rises, Les Miserables
Emily Blunt Emily Charlton My Summer of Love Quiet Place, Sicario, Edge of Tomorrow
Stanley Tucci Nigel Kipling Big Night, The Impostors, Maid in Manhattan The Hunger Games, Easy A, The Lovely Bones

What really struck me about ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ is how well they balanced the power dynamic between Andy and Miranda Priestly. Miranda definitely has all the show-stopping moments, but it’s Andy’s evolution that really drives the story forward. I loved how realistically they portrayed her changing feelings – it wasn’t instant, you really felt her go from being intimidated to actually respecting Miranda, and it felt completely believable.

The casting is interestingly fitting on another level. Andy is determined to succeed in the publishing world, even though she lacks experience, doesn’t understand the industry, and faces constant rejection. Anne Hathaway, who wasn’t initially considered for the role, tapped into that same feeling of being an underdog.

If Andy had been portrayed as bolder and more self-assured – like Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman often play their characters – the story would have felt very different. The character is compelling because she’s driven to prove herself, and Anne Hathaway convincingly portrays that motivation, making her journey feel authentic.

Anne Hathaway’s Casting Has Only Become More Perfect For The Devil Wears Prada 2

Twenty years ago, Meryl Streep was a guaranteed hit for any movie, and audiences were delighted by how subtly humorous her performance was. Anne Hathaway, however, was taking a chance by moving into more mature roles after becoming known for popular teen films at the start of the 2000s.

The role established Hathaway as a major star, proving she could shine alongside a truly remarkable performance. Looking back, her continued success makes that casting particularly smart. It’s hard to stay relevant in Hollywood for long, but Hathaway has consistently remained a top actress, successfully juggling critically acclaimed films with popular blockbusters and effortlessly moving between different genres like comedy, drama, and action.

Andy’s ability to connect with others is central to who she is. She adds a touch of warmth to a sometimes harsh story, making the glamorous world of fashion feel more human. What really defines Andy is her integrity – she wouldn’t knowingly hurt anyone to get ahead. That’s why her choice to leave her job at the end of The Devil Wears Prada feels natural and earned, not like a spontaneous decision.

Hathaway seems to have grasped this part of the character’s personality as well, especially when thinking about the next movie. Initially, scripts suggested Andy had settled down with a family, but Hathaway advocated for a storyline where Andy spent the years since the first film traveling and seeking out new experiences. This felt truer to Andy’s inquisitive and driven nature, and it creates a more compelling story arc.

The sequel to The Devil Wears Prada has a strong creative team returning, including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and writer Aline Brosh McKenna. While it might be hard to top the original, all the key ingredients for success are there, hinting that the new film will remain popular for years to come.

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2026-04-28 16:21