The Devil Wears Prada Writer was in Awe of How Meryl Streep Played Her Role, Thinking it to be better than What she Initially Wrote
When Lauren Weisberger published her smash hit 2003 novel The Devil Wears Prada, few could have expected how perfectly Meryl Streep would embody the villainous Miranda Priestly on the big screen. In the widely beloved 2006 film adaptation, Streep lent depth and dynamism to the icy Runway magazine editor that even Weisberger hadn’t envisioned on the page.
Did Meryl Streep Improve Upon the Source Material?
Speaking to People, Lauren Weisberger reflected on the 10th anniversary of the hit movie. She praised Meryl Streep for transforming Miranda into a more layered, realistic character than her straight “evil” portrayal in the book.
While Miranda Priestly served as the sharp-tongued antagonist in Weisberger’s novel, the Oscar-winning actress brought out complexities filmgoers hadn’t seen before. As Weisberger put it:
“She was a real person. In the book, she was just straight evil.”
Streep’s emotive performance elicited some sympathy for the dreaded editor-in-chief, known for reducing underlings to tears. Miranda’s work-life balancing act gave her character depth lacking in the novel. Weisberger said the movie “nailed it,” adding: “I’m so happy with what they did.”
What Made Miranda Priestly an Iconic Villain?
Whether on the page or the screen, few villains have captured the cultural imagination quite like Miranda Priestly. Her name has become synonymous with a powerful woman at the top of a glamorous industry, commanding fear and respect from all around her.
Both Weisberger’s novel and David Frankel’s hit movie centered around young journalist Andrea Sachs surviving under Miranda’s cruel reign. Miranda’s icy stare and blistering remarks imprinted on readers’ and viewers’ minds.
While Weisberger acknowledges Miranda was pure evil in her conception, Streep transformed the villain into someone more reflective of powerful women. Miranda resonated as someone admirably successful in her field yet painfully alone at the top.
Did Anna Wintour Ever Respond?
Since its debut, rumors have swirled that the iconic Miranda Priestly was based on Vogue editor Anna Wintour. But Weisberger never heard a direct response from the notorious fashion maven herself about the shocking similarities.
That was until viewing the 2016 documentary The First Monday in May. When asked about The Devil Wears Prada’s impact, Weisberger recalls Wintour giving a “gracious answer.” Wintour simply stated the movie brought beneficial attention to the fashion industry.
While Wintour has never explicitly referenced her ties to Miranda Priestly, Weisberger considers it the closest thing to a confirmation yet. “That was the first time I heard an official, direct reaction to it,” she told People Magazine.
Over ten years later, The Devil Wears Prada continues to hold a place in pop culture history. That’s thanks in large part to Meryl Streep revamping Miranda Priestly into one of cinema’s greatest villains.
