Meryl Streep nearly passed on "The Devil Wears Prada" due to skepticism about her humor, with some folks questioning if she'd ever had a jolly day in her life. But as Fennerman recalled during a Daniella Taplin Lundberg podcast, these folks were quite mistaken. Streep was indeed funny, and the role was a perfect fit for her, as Fennerman hinted at her performances in "She-Devil," "Dead Man," and "Become Her."
Before the 2006 release of "The Devil Wears Prada," Streep earned acclaim as a stage actress, garnering Oscars for "Sophie's Choice" and "Kramer vs. Kramer." For the latter, she also earned an Oscar nomination, while her portrayal of Miranda Priestly, the terrorizing editor tormenting her employees – including Anne Hathaway's character – bagged another nod. The character is often believed to have been inspired by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
Fennerman mused that Streep's casting was part of the film's unexpected fun. Recalling the collaboration and the studio's reservations over the iconic gray wig she chose for the role, he simply said, "She's fantastic."
In true Streep fashion, she remained committed to her character, giving a mindful and unforgettable performance that secured her place in movie history. As Fennerman fondly mentioned, she "had made it abundantly clear that she'd made her choice and was sticking with it."
Additional Insights
Throughout her career, Meryl Streep faced uncertainty over her comedic abilities, particularly during the 1990s. However, after a series of critically-embraced dramas that flopped commercially, she proved her versatility with her standout performance in "The Devil Wears Prada." Her dedication to character earned her numerous award nominations, highlighting her prowess and resilience as an actress.
