When Meryl Streep first stepped into the Prada pumps of Miranda Priestly in 2006, she didn’t just create a cinematic icon; she executed a masterclass in professional negotiation. Despite the film’s eventual status as a multi-generational touchstone, the Meryl Streep Devil Wears Prada salary was nearly the reason the movie never happened. In a recent Meryl Streep Today Show interview, the legendary actress revealed that she initially rejected the role, a move that would eventually double her pay and redefine her career trajectory at age 56.
The Negotiation That Defined a Career: Why Streep Said 'No'
The story of how Streep became the steely editor-in-chief of Runway Magazine is a lesson in self-advocacy. Despite an immediate affinity for the script, Streep found the initial financial offer insulting. At the time, Hollywood often viewed actresses over 50 as nearing "retirement age," a sentiment Streep herself echoed when she admitted she was prepared to walk away from the industry entirely.
Why did Meryl Streep almost turn down The Devil Wears Prada?
Meryl Streep initially turned down the role of Miranda Priestly because she felt the initial salary offer was too low and did not reflect her value to the production. At age 56, she was prepared to retire but decided to 'double her ask.' The producers immediately agreed, which Streep cites as a pivotal lesson in self-advocacy and knowing one's worth.
According to producer Elizabeth Gabler, Streep’s successful Miranda Priestly salary negotiation resulted in a payday of approximately $4 million. To put this into perspective, her co-star Anne Hathaway, who played the "fish-out-of-water" journalist Andy Sachs, was paid less than $1 million for the same film. While Hathaway was the ninth choice for her role—behind actors like Rachel McAdams and Kate Hudson—Streep was always the first choice for director David Frankel. By doubling her ask, Streep wasn't just seeking more money; she was forcing the studio to acknowledge her essentiality to the project’s success.
The Devil Wears Prada 2: Release Date and Global Premiere Details
Fast forward twenty years, and the demand for Miranda Priestly has never been higher. The Devil Wears Prada 2 release date is officially set for May 1, 2026. Industry analysts are already projecting a massive $180 million worldwide debut, signaling that the appetite for high-fashion drama has only grown in the digital age. This sequel marks Streep’s first live-action film performance in five years, making it one of the most anticipated cinematic events of the decade.
The 2026 premiere is expected to be a global affair, with major events planned in London and Australia. The film's return also highlights a significant shift in Meryl Streep net worth 2026, as her backend points on a sequel of this magnitude could dwarf her original $4 million salary.
Devil Wears Prada Sequel Cast: The Return of the 'Big Four'
A sequel is only as good as its ensemble, and fans can breathe a sigh of relief: the core cast is returning. The Anne Hathaway Andy Sachs return is confirmed, but the dynamic has shifted. No longer the bumbling assistant, Andy is now a seasoned professional who has taken her career in a completely different direction after leaving Runway.
- Meryl Streep: Returning as the indomitable Miranda Priestly.
- Anne Hathaway: Reprising her role as Andy Sachs.
- Emily Blunt: Returning as Emily Charlton, now a high-powered executive.
- Stanley Tucci: Returning as the witty Nigel Kipling.
The Devil Wears Prada sequel cast also features an influx of new talent to reflect the modern media landscape. Newcomers include Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, and B.J. Novak. Additionally, the film will see the return of supporting characters like Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman, ensuring a sense of continuity from the 2006 original.
Journalism Under Siege: The 2006 vs. 2026 Media Landscape
The plot of the sequel dives deep into the "journalism under siege" theme. In 2006, Runway Magazine represented the pinnacle of print media prestige. In 2026, the landscape is unrecognizable. The sequel follows Miranda Priestly as she navigates a declining magazine industry, eventually facing off against her former assistant, Emily Charlton. Emily is now a rival executive who controls the very advertising dollars Miranda desperately needs to keep her legacy alive.
The Rise of Influencer Culture and AI in Media
During a recent ABC News interview, Stanley Tucci and Meryl Streep discussed how the definition of success has mutated. Tucci noted that 20 years ago, success was built on craft and institutional prestige. Today, it is often measured by follower counts—a phenomenon he described as "pulp."
The sequel will explicitly address these content gaps in traditional media:
- AI in Media: How automated content and AI are threatening the jobs of traditional fashion journalists.
- Influencer Marketing vs. Fashion Journalism: The tension between seasoned editors and social media personalities who command more "eyes" than legacy magazines.
- The Gender Pay Gap in Hollywood: A meta-commentary on Streep’s own 2006 negotiation, reflecting the ongoing struggle for equity in the workplace.
The 'Know Your Worth' Masterclass: Negotiation Lessons for 2026
Streep’s 2006 negotiation remains a "career coach" favorite for a reason. By being willing to walk away, she leveraged her Miranda Priestly leadership style before she even stepped on set. For women in the workplace today, the lesson is clear: your value is not determined by the first offer, but by your willingness to advocate for yourself.
Inflation-Adjusted Salary Comparison: To understand the scale of Streep's power move, consider the inflation-adjusted figures. Streep's $4 million in 2006 is equivalent to roughly $6.2 million in 2026 dollars. Meanwhile, Hathaway's initial sub-$1 million salary would be approximately $1.5 million today. The sequel represents a massive "salary growth" moment for Hathaway, who returns as an Oscar-winning A-lister with significantly more leverage than she had as the "ninth choice" for the first film.
Costumes for a Cause: The CPJ Auction
In a move that blends fiction with philanthropy, the costumes from The Devil Wears Prada 2 will be auctioned off to benefit the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). This nonprofit organization promotes press freedom internationally, a cause Streep and Tucci have championed given the film's themes of journalism under siege. While the original film featured iconic pieces from Chanel and Prada, the sequel is rumored to feature sustainable luxury brands and tech-integrated fashion, reflecting the 2026 filming locations in New York and London.
Key Takeaways
- Meryl Streep doubled her salary to $4 million in 2006 by being prepared to walk away from the role.
- The Devil Wears Prada 2 releases on May 1, 2026, with a projected $180M opening.
- The plot centers on the battle between traditional journalism and influencer culture.
- The original "Big Four" (Streep, Hathaway, Blunt, Tucci) are all returning for the sequel.
- Costumes from the film will be auctioned to support the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Miranda Priestly
As we look toward the May 1st premiere, it’s clear that The Devil Wears Prada is more than just a movie about fashion; it’s a study of power, evolution, and the cost of success. Meryl Streep’s decision to "double her ask" 20 years ago didn't just change her bank account—it changed the way Hollywood views the value of veteran actresses. Whether Miranda Priestly can survive the era of AI and influencers remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Meryl Streep has already won the negotiation.
