Meryl Streep revealed she turned down “The Devil Wears Prada” before negotiating double pay, saying she knew the film would succeed and felt ready to retire at the time.
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Meryl Streep has revealed she initially rejected her now-iconic role in The Devil Wears Prada—only to later secure double the salary after recognizing the film’s potential success.
Speaking on the Today program alongside co-stars Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, Streep said she declined the initial offer despite being impressed by the script.
“I knew it was going to be a hit,” she said, adding that she asked for twice her original pay—an offer that was quickly accepted.
At the time, Streep said she was contemplating stepping away from acting altogether. “I was ready to retire,” she recalled, noting she was 56 and confident in both her worth and the project’s value.
Her portrayal of the formidable editor Miranda Priestly earned her an Academy Award nomination and became one of the most memorable roles of her career.
Following the film’s success, Streep entered a highly productive period, winning her third Oscar for The Iron Lady and starring in major hits including Mamma Mia!.
Now, nearly two decades later, Streep is returning to the franchise in The Devil Wears Prada 2, marking her first live-action film role in five years.
The upcoming sequel reunites the original cast and creative team and arrives amid strong anticipation from fans of the original film, which remains a cultural touchstone in fashion and pop culture.
Streep’s candid remarks highlight a pivotal moment in her career—one that not only reshaped her trajectory but also helped define one of Hollywood’s most enduring characters.
