Meryl Streep reflects on complex side of Miranda Priestly in 'Devil Wears Prada' sequel
The actress says Miranda Priestly is a more human and flawed character in the sequel
Meryl Streep has opened up about the “flawed” and human side of her iconic character Miranda Priestly, saying the role in The Devil Wears Prada sequel reflects a more realistic and “messy” portrayal than typical Hollywood villains.
The Oscar-winning actress discussed the character during an appearance on the Hits Radio Breakfast Show with presenter Fleur East, where she reflected on why she continues to be drawn to complex roles.
Streep, 76, said she prefers characters who do not fit neatly into “good” or “bad” categories, arguing that modern films often oversimplify storytelling.
“I feel like you get a realistic view,” she said. “We’ve got the villains and we’ve got the good guys, and it’s so boring.”
She added that what makes characters compelling is their contradictions, explaining that both heroes and villains can be “flawed, human, and interesting” in different ways. “That’s what I like about this. It’s messier,” Streep said.
Her comments come as she reprises her role as Miranda Priestly in the sequel to the 2006 hit film The Devil Wears Prada, which was released on May 1.
The original cast, including Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, reunited for the follow-up, which continues the story of Andy Sachs and her evolving dynamic with Miranda Priestly.
The sequel also introduces new cast members such as Lady Gaga, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Simone Ashley, and others.
According to the film’s synopsis, the story follows Andy Sachs as she navigates her complicated professional relationship with Miranda while the magazine faces new challenges in a changing media landscape.