Meryl Streep is a true powerhouse in Hollywood, and she has proven time and time again that she can take on any role and make it her own. One of her most iconic and memorable performances was in the 2006 hit film, “The Devil Wears Prada.” Streep’s portrayal of the ruthless fashion editor, Miranda Priestly, not only solidified her as one of the greatest actresses of our time, but also added to the character’s legacy when she promoted the sequel.
When “The Devil Wears Prada” was released over a decade ago, it was an instant success, grossing over $300 million at the box office. The film, based on the best-selling novel by Lauren Weisberger, follows the story of aspiring journalist, Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), who lands a job as the assistant to the demanding and intimidating Miranda Priestly, played by Streep. The film became a cultural phenomenon, and much of its success can be attributed to Streep’s remarkable performance as the sharp-tongued and impeccably dressed Priestly.
Streep’s portrayal of Miranda Priestly was nothing short of brilliant. She effortlessly brought the character to life, embodying all the qualities that made Priestly such a formidable force in the fashion world. From the precise manner in which she spoke to the way she carried herself, Streep completely transformed into the iconic character. She captured Priestly’s cold, no-nonsense attitude, but also added a layer of vulnerability and humanity that made her more than just a one-dimensional villain.
One of the most impressive aspects of Streep’s performance was her commitment to the role. She immersed herself in the world of fashion by studying the mannerisms and behavior of real-life editors like Anna Wintour. Streep also insisted on wearing her own heels for the film, even though the wardrobe department had prepared a selection of designer shoes for her. This attention to detail and dedication to the role paid off, as Streep’s portrayal of Miranda Priestly is still talked about and emulated to this day.
Despite the film’s huge success, Streep’s performance as Miranda Priestly went on to become even more iconic when she promoted the sequel, “The Devil Wears Prada 2: Revenge Wears Prada” in 2013. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Streep revealed that she was approached to reprise her role as Priestly in the sequel, but she turned it down. However, she did agree to promote the film by appearing on the cover of the magazine’s June 2013 issue in character as Miranda Priestly.
This promotional stunt was a huge hit and generated a lot of buzz for the film, which was released shortly after. Streep’s appearance as Priestly on the cover of Entertainment Weekly was a reminder of just how iconic her performance in “The Devil Wears Prada” was. It also showed the impact that the film had on popular culture and how Priestly had become a beloved and revered character.
Apart from the promotional cover, Streep also gave an in-character interview for the magazine, where she answered questions in Priestly’s signature icy tone. This ingenious marketing strategy not only promoted the film but also showcased Streep’s incredible acting skills once again. She effortlessly slipped back into the character of Miranda Priestly and delivered hilarious one-liners and cutting remarks, reminding everyone why she was the perfect choice for the role.
In conclusion, Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Miranda Priestly in “The Devil Wears Prada” has become iconic and will forever be etched in the minds of audiences. Her brilliant performance not only made the character come to life but also elevated the film to new heights of success. Streep’s commitment to the role and her undeniable talent added to the character’s lore when she promoted the sequel. It’s safe to say that without Streep, Miranda Priestly would not have become the iconic and beloved character that she is today.
