The Devil Wears Prada is phenomenal not just for its glimpse into glitzy, glamorous escapism or its lesson on self-worth, but also for its terrifying boss, Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep. It is hard to imagine any other actress portraying Miranda Priestly. However, she had almost walked away from the role. The Oscar-winning actress, who foresaw the film’s success, set a condition that her salary must be doubled.

And much to fans' relief, her demands were met, making the 2006 movie and its sequel possible. Nearly 20 years later, Streep opened up about what inspired her decision.

When Meryl Streep was approached for the role of Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, she was nearly 56 and considering retirement, as she shared in an interview with Today. However, the veteran actress recognized a major opportunity in the script, revealing that she knew the film would be a hit. That is when she decided to take a bold risk by setting a condition that ultimately turned out to be the right decision.

“They called me up, and they made an offer, and I said ‘No. I’m not going to do it,’” she said.

“I wanted to see if I doubled my ask, and they went right away and said ‘Sure,'” she told Jenna Bush Hager.

Streep’s decision to demand the salary she deserved not only sealed the film’s fate but also speaks volumes about recognizing one’s self-worth. While Streep also wanted the role, she insisted on securing it on her own terms. And in many ways, the same idea is seen in The Devil Wears Prada itself.

“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,” she shared.

Streep was the heart of the movie. She brilliantly portrayed the character’s power, sophistication, and ruthlessness, making Miranda both formidable and, at times, almost detestable. And her icy, cold gaze and calm, controlled voice to portray Miranda remains iconic to this day.

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That decision was also a game-changer for Streep’s career, ushering in a whole new era for the actress, who had once thought she was ready to retire.

Before The Devil Wears Prada, Meryl Streep already had a celebrated career with acclaimed performances and two Oscar wins. And she thought she was ready to retire. But fate clearly had other plans. Following the 2006 hit, the actress went on to star in a string of commercially successful films.

Her 2008 musical Mamma Mia! grossed $706.4 million worldwide and even spawned a sequel in 2018. Meanwhile, It's Complicated earned $219 million globally. Her performance in The Iron Lady (2012) also brought her a third Oscar win. So, since The Devil Wears Prada, Streep has enjoyed immense success, and with a sequel arriving in 2026, she may have even more surprises in store.

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What do you think about Meryl Streep's bold decision for The Devil Wears Prada? Share your thoughts.