Step inside the opulent world of high fashion, where the price of a designer gown is only rivaled by the salaries of the elite cast. Here, the massive investment in The Devil Wears Prada 2 translates either to cinematic gold or just a very expensive runway walk. The return of Miranda Priestly demanded a budget that would make even a billionaire fashion mogul blink. With a production cost of $100 million, the studio prioritized securing the original trio of icons alongside fresh faces and their salaries.

The financial blueprint that followed reveals a significant portion of the capital was spent on talent.

Meryl Streep (Miranda Priestly): Estimated salary is $10 million - $15 million, as the film's central powerhouse, Streep, reportedly negotiated a significant increase from her original $5 million fee. Her salary represents the single largest talent expense in the production. She earned a substantial $5 million for her performance in the original The Devil Wears Prada, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Anne Hathaway (Andy Sachs): The estimated salary is $7 million – $10 million, as Hathaway’s return was a major marketing draw. Her fee is consistent with her recent leading roles in high-budget streaming and theatrical projects, such as The Idea of You, where she was reportedly paid $7 million. 

Emily Blunt (Emily Charlton): The estimated salary is $8 million – $12 million. Since the first film, Blunt’s star power has exploded. The sequel's plot reportedly focuses heavily on her character’s rise to a Dior executive, justifying her higher-tier A-list salary.

Stanley Tucci (Nigel Kipling): The estimated salary is $2 million – $4 million. As a vital supporting character, Tucci’s involvement was considered essential for fan service. His fee reflects his status as one of the most respected character actors in Hollywood.

Lady Gaga (Cameo appearance): The estimated salary is reportedly $2.5 million. This was a high-profile cameo where Gaga played herself and performed an original song, ‘Runway’. The fee includes both her performance and the musical contribution.

'The Devil Wears Prada' 2 Removes Sydney Sweeney’s Reported Cameo From the Final Cut

Industry experts believe the strategic casting of new talent balanced the production ledger perfectly.

Kenneth Branagh (Miranda’s Husband): Estimated salary is $3 million – $5 million, as cast as Miranda's nice violinist husband, his fee reflects his prestige as an Academy Award-winning actor and director, though his screen time is relatively modest.

Simone Ashley (Amari): The estimated salary is $1 million – $2 million, as Miranda’s latest primary assistant, Ashley, has significant screen time. Her rising star power from Bridgerton commanded a seven-figure fee for this major studio role.

Patrick Brammall (Andy’s Love Interest): Estimated salary: $750,000 – $1.5 million, replacing Adrian Grenier as the romantic lead. Brammall's fee is typical for an established TV lead (from Colin from Accounts) transitioning into a major film franchise role.

Donatella Versace (Cameo as Herself): Estimated salary is $500,000 – $1 million, one of the most prominent fashion world cameos, she shares a spikey lunch scene with Emily Blunt. While fashion icons often cameo for prestige, high-budget sequels usually provide standard scale plus a generous talent fee.

Lucy Liu (New Character): Estimated salary is $2 million – $3 million, Liu joins the cast in a significant supporting capacity.

Naomi Campbell (Cameo as Herself): Estimated salary is $250,000 – $500,000, a returning face from the fashion world. Total cast and cameo expenses are estimated to have reached nearly $50 million, accounting for half of the film's total budget of $100 million. As the film makes its way with a gross building over the whopping $233.6 million worldwide, it seems only fair for its very puppeteers to have pocketed these fees. 

Where Was 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' Filmed? All We Know About the Filming Locations of the Sequel

What do you think about The Devil Wears Prada 2 cast fees? Let us know in the comments.