Meryl Streep has long been celebrated as one of Hollywood’s most transformative performers, known for disappearing into her roles with remarkable precision. From drama to comedy, she has consistently delivered performances that leave a lasting cultural imprint, and few are as iconic as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada.

Now, as anticipation builds for The Devil Wears Prada 2, Streep is once again stepping into the sharply tailored shoes of the formidable fashion editor. But while fans revisit the legacy of Miranda Priestly, the actress has finally shed light on the surprising influences that shaped the character, hinting that the inspiration behind the role may not be what audiences always believed.

While most people assume Meryl Streep was channeling Anna Wintour for her The Devil Wears Prada character, the Oscar winner says she was actually “imitating” two top Hollywood filmmakers. The actress, who first played cynical fashion editor Miranda Priestly in the 2006 film and later reprised her role for the upcoming sequel, made a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where she revealed that she actually drew inspiration from Mike Nichols and Clint Eastwood for the role.

“I was basically imitating Mike Nichols that whole time,” Meryl Streep told the host. “If Mike Nichols and Clint Eastwood had a baby… it would be Miranda Priestly.”

The insight offers a fresh perspective on how Miranda Priestley’s icy authority and understated humor came together, blending two very different directing styles into one unforgettable screen presence. It also highlights the subtle craftsmanship behind the performance, proving that even the most iconic characters can stem from unexpected creative influences. 

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And just like that, the myth of Miranda Priestly being a direct reflection of fashion’s most powerful editor takes an unexpected turn.

Tokyo became the latest stop for Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway as they continued the global promotions for The Devil Wears Prada 2, but the conversation quickly moved beyond the film’s glamour. This time, Meryl Streep offered a more reflective take on Miranda Priestly, suggesting that the character’s strength lies not just in her authority, but in her capacity to adapt when it matters most.

“And that's what you have to do, is look for the helpers,” Meryl Streep shared, framing Miranda’s journey as a lesson in leaning on the right people. She urged younger audiences to remain open to change and guidance, adding a lighthearted note that she hopes they will adopt this mindset even more readily than her own children have.

Fashion remained a central highlight of the Tokyo appearance, with Meryl Streep choosing refined couture pieces from Chanel and Schiaparelli. At the same time, Anne Hathaway showcased striking looks from Valentino and Stella McCartney. Following its kickoff in Mexico City, the promotional tour is set to travel through Seoul, Shanghai, London, and New York.

In many ways, Miranda Priestly is no longer just a symbol of power; she is becoming a reflection of transformation. As The Devil Wears Prada 2 approaches, this deeper understanding adds a fresh layer to the character, one that balances authority with evolution, and sharp wit with quiet reinvention.

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Did Meryl Streep’s unexpected inspiration change the way you see Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada?