Meryl Streep Almost Turned Down Role in The Devil Wears Prada

Meryl Streep has revealed that she almost turned down her iconic role as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada.

In a recent interview on the “Today” show, Streep spoke alongside her co-stars Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci while promoting The Devil Wears Prada 2. She explained that although she believed the 2006 film would be successful, she initially refused the offer.

Streep said she read the script and immediately recognized its potential. However, she decided to test how much the studio valued her by asking for double the original salary. When the studio quickly agreed, she accepted the role.

Reflecting on that moment, Streep said it took her many years to feel confident enough to negotiate like that. At the time, she was 56 and even considering retirement. She said she felt the filmmakers needed her for the role, but she was prepared to walk away if her terms were not met.

The decision turned out to be a major turning point in her career. The Devil Wears Prada became a huge success and earned Streep an Academy Award nomination. It also led to a new wave of popular films, including Mamma Mia! and It’s Complicated. She later won her third Oscar for The Iron Lady in 2012.

Now, nearly 20 years after the original film, Streep is returning for the sequel. The upcoming movie marks her first live-action role in five years and could signal another strong chapter in her career.