Meryl Streep's Role in The Devil Wears Prada Almost Slipped Away Due to Belief She Lacked Comedy Skills
Meryl Streep's iconic role as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada almost didn't happen due to doubts about her comedic abilities Producer Wendy Finerman reveals the surprising casting dilemma in this revealing interview on the Hollywood Gold podcast
It is almost impossible to picture "The Devil Wears Prada" without Meryl Streep's impressive performance as the icy fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly, but the three-time Oscar winner almost missed out on the role, according to the movie's producer Wendy Finerman. "And Meryl, people thought we were crazy. I mean, I had people call me up and say, Are you out of your mind? She's never been funny a day in her life," Finerman told podcast host Daniela Taplin Lundberg in an episode released on Wednesday.
Meryl Streep starred alongside Anne Hathaway.
According to Finerman, "She has always been funny, and they were mistaken, but this role was clearly a departure for her." Lundberg also reminisced about Streep's comedic roles in "She-Devil" and "Death Becomes Her."
Prior to the release of "The Devil Wears Prada" in 2006, Meryl Streep was revered for her powerful dramatic roles, such as her Oscar-winning performances in "Sophie's Choice" and "Kramer vs. Kramer."
Her portrayal of Miranda Priestly, the intimidating editor who strikes fear into her employees, including her assistants played by Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt, earned Streep another Oscar nomination.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: (L-R) Anne Hathaway and Anna Wintour are seen at the Michael Kors Collection Spring/Summer 2023 Runway Show on September 14, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Michael Kors)
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Look of the Week: Anne Hathaways The Devil Wears Prada moment at New York Fashion Week
The character, initially introduced by Lauren Weisberger in her novel of the same title in 2003, is commonly believed to have drawn inspiration from Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
"The decision to cast Streep was partly driven by the element of surprise," Finerman stated, reflecting on the experience of collaborating with the iconic actress and presenting her with folders brimming with film ideas during a visit to her home.
"Streep called me and asked, 'Wendy, what else do you have? Where's the whole thing?' She's amazing," Finerman recounted.
"She remained in character the entire time and made it clear that she sticks with her choices," Finerman added, noting that Streep insisted on the now-iconic gray wig for the role despite the studio's initial reservations.
