Key Takeaways
- Meryl Streep revealed The Devil Wears Prada struggled to secure funding due to being labeled a “chick flick.”
- The 2006 film went on to gross over $326 million worldwide.
- Streep says female-led films were often undervalued by studios at the time.
- The cast is reuniting for The Devil Wears Prada 2, set to premiere May 1.
Despite becoming one of the most iconic fashion films of all time, The Devil Wears Prada didn’t have an easy start.
Meryl Streep recently revealed that the 2006 hit had to fight for its budget — largely because it was dismissed as a “chick flick.”
Speaking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Streep reflected on how the film industry once underestimated stories centered on women.
“Twenty years ago, it was categorized as a ‘chick flick,’” she said. “And that designation has kind of not worn well.”
A Box Office Hit That Almost Wasn’t
Directed by David Frankel and based on Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling novel, The Devil Wears Prada went on to earn more than $326 million worldwide — proving its massive appeal.
But according to Streep, that success wasn’t always guaranteed.
“So, we had to scrabble for our budget,” she explained. “And that was true.”
At the time, studios were hesitant to invest heavily in female-led films, often underestimating their commercial potential — something that has only recently begun to change.
Changing Perceptions in Hollywood
Streep pointed out that films like Barbie and Mamma Mia! have helped reshape how studios view stories centered on women.
“These are films that completely catch studios by surprise,” she said, noting that audiences have long been eager to support female-driven narratives.
She also revealed that even Barbie director Greta Gerwig faced similar budget challenges — though on a different scale.
“I’ve talked to Greta about it,” Streep said. “That was true with Barbie a little bit, in comparison with what they spend on other films.”
A Long-Awaited Reunion
Now, nearly two decades later, the beloved cast is returning.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 will reunite Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, with a star-studded lineup of new additions including Lucy Liu, Sydney Sweeney, Lady Gaga, and more.
The sequel follows Andy Sachs (Hathaway) as she returns to Runway magazine 20 years after leaving, navigating a rapidly changing media landscape alongside Miranda Priestly (Streep).
To save the publication, the duo must convince Emily (Blunt) — now a powerful luxury brand executive — to invest in advertising.
The film is set to premiere on May 1.
From “Chick Flick” to Cultural Classic
What was once dismissed as a niche film has since become a cultural phenomenon — quoted, rewatched, and referenced across generations.
Streep’s reflection highlights a broader shift in Hollywood: stories centered on women are no longer being underestimated — they’re leading the box office.
And The Devil Wears Prada helped pave the way.
