In its first weekend alone, The Devil Wears Prada 2 grossed $233 million worldwide, becoming the absolute leader. What made the film so successful and why we needed a sequel to the cult comedy? Meryl Streep, who plays the legendary Mirandela Priestley, talks about all this.
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The sequel follows editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly as she tries to adapt Runway magazine to the new realities of the transformation of “old media.” At times, the film really hits the nail on the head, highlighting issues that are painful for many modern editorial offices, from mastering new formats and attracting a younger audience to building partnerships.
The main plot of the second “Devil” is no longer between Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) and her assistant Andy (Anne Hathaway), but between the editor-in-chief of Runway and her former subordinate Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt), who has become a top manager of a luxury conglomerate. Now Miranda is forced to ask for help (and advertising budgets) from her former assistant, whom she once treated with contempt.
Here's what Meryl Streep herself thinks about the sequel.
About the world of journalism
Many people thought we would immediately make a sequel, because the first film was so successful. But it didn't seem like the right idea to us – how can you surpass the original? We went on to other projects. Only about two years ago did the screenwriter find an idea that really works today. The world of magazines and journalism has changed a lot: the industry is going through a crisis, everyone is looking for new models of existence. It is in this instability that drama and plot emerge.
On why the first film became so iconic
Maybe it's because the image of a “female leader” was just emerging at the time. It was a story about an influential woman and ambitious heroines — it looked new and exciting at the time. And it's also just a fun movie. In a complex world, it's important for people to see something light, beautiful, and a little silly.
About how Miranda has changed
She has become a little tougher and more straightforward. At the same time, her position is less stable, and she is aware of this. But she is still smart, in control of herself and the team, and has not lost her love for her work.
Physically, she's 76, not 56, and it's noticeable. She has less hair. My stylist, who's been working with me for 50 years, created a wig for the first film, so we took that as a basis, removed a lot of the hair, and did a more restrained, elegant style.
About Miranda Priestly's legendary heels
I came back to this role with bunions on my feet—that's how it is! [Laughs.] And with constant complaints of pain. I can't believe women wore these shoes 50 years ago. Yes, they look elegant, but spending 16 hours in them is a real torture!
To be honest, it wasn't that difficult to get back into the role, because I know the character well. It's just not very pleasant to be her, because I'm not like that at all. The traits that the role requires – restraint, involuntary cruelty, a certain coldness in dealing with people – were both difficult and quite easy to perform.
Why “The Devil Wears Prada 2” is worth watching in the cinema
I think the main joy of going to the big screen is being able to watch a movie with other people. Even though I don't really like other people, I think they would have fun watching it with other people. Just kidding! [Laughs.]