Meryl Streep almost didn’t play Miranda Priestly. Can you believe it? While she’s out promoting ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2‘, the three-time Oscar winner let slip that she said no to the famous role at first. Then she used her star power to ask for double her original salary, and it worked right away.
The legendary actress made the revelation during a recent interview where she sat with her co-stars, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci.
Meryl Streep’s Bold Salary Negotiation
When Streep first read the script for the sharp-tongued fashion magazine editor, she knew it was going to be big. “I read the script — the script was great. They called me up, and they made an offer, and I said ‘No. I’m not going to do it,’” Streep told Today. She felt the project needed her more than she needed it, and at 56, she was fine with walking away.
“I knew it was going to be a hit. … I wanted to see if I doubled my ask, and they went right away and said ‘Sure,’” she said. “I’m 56 years [old] — it took me this long to understand that I could do that! I was sure it would be a hit. And they needed me, I felt. And I wanted it, but if they didn’t want to do that, I was okay. Because I’m old — I’m 56, I was ready to retire.”
How Meryl Streep’s Negotiation Paid Off Big
The studio agreed without a fight, and her performance as the cold, demanding Miranda Priestly became one of the most unforgettable in movies. The film made over $326 million worldwide on a small budget. It also became a huge part of pop culture, especially in its portrayal of fashion, ambition, and how people act at work.
In case you missed it: Meryl Streep Reveals Why ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Had a Budget Cut Due to ‘Chick Flick’ Label
What makes Streep’s story so interesting is her age. She was at a point when many actresses start getting fewer offers. However, she turned that into a lesson about standing up for yourself. She thought the first offer was too low for what she brought to the movie. In a 2016 Variety interview, she said the offer felt “slightly, if not insulting.”
Meryl Streep Returns for ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’
Now Streep is 76 and returning for the sequel. Her story is not just fun Hollywood gossip. It’s also about knowing your own worth. Even someone like Meryl Streep had to learn to bet on herself. She called it a “lesson” after all those years in the business.
The timing of this story lines up with all the buzz around ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2‘. Most of the original cast is returning, and Streep sharing this salary story makes Miranda Priestly feel more human. It also reminds us that the woman behind the legend is just as sharp and smart as the character she played.
You might also want to read: ‘Project Hail Mary’ Directors Delayed Asking Meryl Streep for A Cameo And Her Response Was Worth It
