David Frankel revealed that Meryl Streep played a decisive role in convincing Disney to cast Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada. The confession arrived during a weekend built entirely around celebration, nostalgia, and decades of studio history colliding under one roof. Anaheim buzzed with alumni, families, and longtime admirers gathered for one of Disney's biggest annual traditions. Hathaway sat somewhere in that crowd, unaware her career origin story was about to receive a very public retelling.

While the ceremony celebrated decades of Disney magic, one story stood out, proving that a single vote of confidence can quietly shape an entire career.

David Frankel confirmed that Meryl Streep herself pushed for Anne Hathaway to land the role of Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada, a claim he made while presenting her with the Disney Legends honor at D23 over the weekend. The studio had initially leaned toward another actress entirely before Streep intervened. Streep had watched Hathaway's performance in Brokeback Mountain and recognized something unmistakable in it.

"Thank God for Meryl Streep," Frankel said.

He then added that Streep "saw Annie's performance in Brokeback Mountain and said, 'Yeah, this girl. Game recognizes game.'"

The remark finally settled a long-running curiosity surrounding one of Hollywood's most consequential casting decisions.

Frankel's tribute was one of several paid to Hathaway that afternoon, with Anna Wintour appearing via video to praise her versatility and quiet kindness. The same ceremony inducted Dwayne Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and former Disney CEO Bob Iger into the 2026 Disney Legends class. Hathaway watched the honors alongside her parents, her husband Adam Shulman, and their two sons. The afternoon marked her second appearance at D23 that weekend, following a Friday night update on Princess Diaries 3.

“Never Stop”- Anne Hathaway Has a Sweet Message for ‘Princess Diaries’ and ‘Devil Wears Prada’ Fans

As one chapter closed on nostalgia, Hathaway's calendar for the months ahead told an entirely different story.

Anne Hathaway currently juggles several major releases spanning very different genres. The End of Oak Street cast her as a mother confronting an unfamiliar and dangerous world alongside Ewan McGregor. Verity, adapted from Colleen Hoover's novel, places her opposite Dakota Johnson in a story built on psychological tension and obsession. Fear Not, a true crime limited series, marks a heavier emotional departure, pulling Hathaway into far darker territory than anything else on her current slate.

Beyond those releases, Hathaway remains attached to The Princess Diaries 3, reviving Mia Thermopolis for longtime followers of the franchise. She also produces Forever, a romantic fantasy stretching across multiple lifetimes, and Yesteryear, a thriller weighing modern ideals against harsh historical reality. Alone at Dawn adds a military drama to her already expanding range. Between new scripts and old sentiment, Hathaway's year proves that Meryl Streep's early faith in her talent has aged remarkably well.

Beloved 'Princess Diary' Star Julie Andrew Quits Queen Chalisse Role Ahead of Third Movie

What are your thoughts on Meryl Streep helping launch Anne Hathaway's career? Let us know in the comments.