Meryl Streep, who reprized her iconic role as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada 2, revealed that the inspiration for the character was not Anna Wintour, but rather a combination of directors Mike Nichols and Clint Eastwood. Streep described Miranda as the “baby” between the two, and she embodies Nichols’ commanding, fun-loving directing style. The second part of the film is scheduled to be released on May 1.
Amidst anticipation for The Devil Wears Prada 2, Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep, who played the iconic Miranda Priestly in 2006’s The Devil Wears Prada, has made a surprising revelation about the inspiration behind the memorable role. Two decades after the film’s release, fans have long speculated that Meryl’s icy, controlling fashion editor character was based on Anna Wintour’s character. However, Streep set the record straight and said that she was copying a completely different person.
Miranda Priestly was inspired by Mike Nichols and Clint Eastwood
During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, she said she was inspired by two Hollywood celebrities: Mike Nichols and Clint Eastwood.“I was imitating Mike Nichols all the time,” Streep said. “If Mike Nichols and Clint Eastwood had a baby, it would be Miranda Priestly.” She explained that Nichols’s directing style helped shape the tone of the character on set. “It’s up to the group.
“Mike did it with a kind of sly humor,” she said. “People think it’s mean, but it’s funny.” I think that’s funny.”Although she did not tell Eastwood about the connection, Streep said Nichols knew and loved him. “I told Mike, and he was so happy,” she said.
Meryl Streep reflects on The Devil Wears Prada
During the same appearance, Streep also spoke about how the original film was received in 2006. At the time, it was often called a “chick movie,” which she believes affected its budget. Looking back, she notes that perception hasn’t progressed well, especially for female-led films like Barbie and Mamma Mia! She went on to be a huge success, saying that the films “surprise studios (when) people want to see them, because they have girls at the center of the story, and women at the center of the story.
“And now, Meryl is about to reprise the role, as The Devil Wears Prada 2 is set to hit theaters on May 1.
