The Devil Wears Prada: A Film That Almost Didn’t Get Its Due
Today, The Devil Wears Prada is seen as a classic. It’s stylish, sharp, and still widely loved by audiences around the world. But behind its success lies a surprising story.
According to Meryl Streep, the film faced serious challenges before it even began shooting. Despite going on to earn more than $326 million globally, the movie struggled to secure its budget in the early stages.
Why the Film Faced Budget Problems
At the time of its release in 2006, the film was labeled as a “chick flick,” a term often used to describe movies centered around women.
The Problem With Labels
Meryl Streep recently shared that this label made studios hesitant to invest heavily in the project.
- Films focused on women were often underestimated
- Studios believed they wouldn’t draw large audiences
- Budgets for such films were usually limited
This perception forced the filmmakers to work harder just to secure funding.
Meryl Streep Speaks Out
During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Streep reflected on how the industry viewed films like theirs at the time.
She pointed out that the “chick flick” label hasn’t aged well, especially after the massive success of films centered on female characters.
She also mentioned movies like Barbie and Mamma Mia!, which proved that stories led by women can achieve huge commercial success.
A Struggle That Paid Off
Despite the initial hesitation from studios, the film eventually got made, though not without effort.
Streep described the process as having to “scrabble” for the budget, meaning the team had to fight to get the resources they needed.
The Result
- The film became a global box office success
- It earned over $326 million worldwide
- It gained a lasting cultural impact
What was once seen as a risky investment turned into a major win.
A Changing Industry Perspective
The success of films like The Devil Wears Prada helped shift how the industry views female-led stories.
Then vs Now
Back in 2006:
- Female-led films were often undervalued
- Budgets were smaller compared to male-driven projects
Today:
- Films like Barbie have broken records
- Studios are more open to investing in diverse stories
- Audience demand has proven these films are profitable
Streep even mentioned speaking with Greta Gerwig about similar budget challenges faced during the making of Barbie, showing that while progress has been made, some issues still remain.
The Sequel Fans Have Been Waiting For
Nearly two decades later, the story is set to continue with The Devil Wears Prada 2.
The sequel brings back the original cast, including:
- Anne Hathaway
- Emily Blunt
- Stanley Tucci
This reunion has already created excitement among fans who have long waited to see what happens next.
What the Sequel Is About
The new film picks up 20 years after the events of the original.
A New Chapter
- Andy returns to Runway magazine after leaving years ago
- Miranda Priestley is still a powerful figure in the fashion world
- The magazine is now struggling in a changing media landscape
A High-Stakes Plot
To save the publication, Andy and Miranda must convince Emily, now a top executive at a luxury brand, to invest in advertising.
This setup promises a mix of nostalgia and modern challenges, blending the old world of fashion magazines with today’s digital era.
Why The Devil Wears Prada Still Matters
The film’s lasting popularity isn’t just about fashion or drama. It resonates because of its themes.
Timeless Appeal
- Ambition and career struggles
- Workplace dynamics
- Personal growth and choices
These elements continue to connect with audiences, making the story relevant even years later.
A Lesson in Not Underestimating Stories
The journey of The Devil Wears Prada is a reminder of how easily great stories can be underestimated.
What was once dismissed as a niche film turned into a global hit and a cultural touchstone.
It also highlights the importance of giving diverse stories the attention and investment they deserve.
Final Thoughts
From budget struggles to box office success, The Devil Wears Prada has come a long way.
Meryl Streep’s reflection sheds light on the challenges faced by female-led films in the past, while also celebrating how far the industry has come.
With the sequel on the way, the story is far from over. And if the original taught us anything, it’s that sometimes, the films people doubt the most end up making the biggest impact.
