Behind The Scenes Of "The Devil Wears Prada": Unveiling The Fashionable Truth

Based on Lauren Weisberger’sNew York Times best-selling novel, The Devil Wears Prada hit theaters in 2006, captivating audiences with its portrayal of the high-stakes fashion industry. The film, which delves into the complex relationship between magazine editor Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep, and her ambitious assistant Andrea “Andy” Sachs, portrayed by Anne Hathaway, was an instant success. Not only did it achieve impressive box office numbers, but its sharp dialogue and glamorous depiction of fashion have left an indelible mark on popular culture.

As we explore the making of this iconic film, we’ll uncover some surprising facts that might not be widely known. For instance, did you know that the film rights were purchased even before the book was completed? This foresight proved to be a pivotal moment in the film's journey to the big screen. Join us as we take a closer look at the behind-the-scenes stories that shaped this beloved movie.

In this article, we’ll share ten intriguing insights about The Devil Wears Prada, shedding light on its production, casting, and the creative decisions that contributed to its success. From the early script challenges to the unexpected casting choices, each detail adds to the rich tapestry of this cinematic gem.

The film rights were bought before the book was even finished

Anna Wintour, who inspired The Devil Wears Prada, attends a fashion show in 2005.

After graduating from Cornell University with an English degree, Lauren Weisberger worked as an assistant to Vogue magazine editor Anna Wintour for nearly a year. This experience provided her with unique insights into the fashion world, which she later channeled into her novel. The unfinished manuscript quickly generated interest among publishers and film production companies, leading to a bidding war for the rights.

Elizabeth Gabler, then head of Fox 2000 studio, was captivated by the book's concept. She stated, “The idea was so strong, the concept so clear and so enticing, that we thought we would be able to figure out a movie from it no matter what the eventual manuscript turned out to be.” This anticipation set the stage for a film that would resonate with audiences worldwide.

It took multiple tries to get the script right

Despite the initial excitement surrounding the project, developing the script proved to be a challenging endeavor. Early drafts were criticized for being overly satirical and mean-spirited, particularly in depicting Andy's desire for revenge against her boss. To address these concerns, director David Frankel suggested a new direction that focused on the complexities of Miranda's character and the sacrifices women make in a male-dominated industry.

The producers enlisted Aline Brosh McKenna, a relatively unknown writer at the time, to help reshape the screenplay. This collaboration lasted over a year, ultimately resulting in a script that departed significantly from the later chapters of Weisberger’s book. The evolution of the script was crucial in creating a more nuanced portrayal of the characters and their motivations.

Streep played hardball when it came to her salary

Meryl Streep was the obvious choice for the role of Miranda Priestly, and she eagerly signed on, confident that the film would be a hit. However, upon learning her initial salary offer, she felt it was lower than her worth. Streep remarked, “The offer was to my mind slightly, if not insulting, not perhaps reflective of my actual value to the project.” This realization prompted her to negotiate hard for a more fitting compensation.

Ultimately, Streep succeeded in raising her salary to $4 million, doubling her initial offer. Additionally, she secured the inclusion of scenes that would add depth to Miranda’s character, allowing viewers to see her vulnerabilities. Streep expressed her desire for a scene where Miranda could be seen without her professional facade, illustrating the complexities of her character.

Hathaway was low on the list of actresses considered for the role

Anne Hathaway films a scene for The Devil Wears Prada at the Museum of Natural History in New York City in October 2005.

Initially, the studio had their sights set on Rachel McAdams to play Andy Sachs. However, McAdams turned down the role multiple times, seeking to distance herself from mainstream projects. This opened the door for Hathaway, who, despite not being the first choice, was determined to land the part. In a stroke of creativity, she even left a message in the sand at a Zen garden that read, “Hire me” in a bid to impress the studio.

Hathaway’s tenacity paid off, as director Frankel recognized her potential, and she ultimately secured the role without a formal audition. Interestingly, she later revealed that she was the ninth choice for the part, highlighting the competitive nature of casting in Hollywood.

Emily Blunt’s character wasn’t meant to be British

The casting process for the supporting roles was equally challenging. Producers auditioned over 100 actors for the role of Emily, Priestly’s assistant. British actress Emily Blunt was on the studio lot during this time, auditioning for another film, but her casual audition attire didn’t hinder her performance.

Blunt delivered her lines in a British accent, which won over director Frankel despite the character originally being conceived as American. Once the producers of her other film passed on her, Frankel quickly moved to secure her for the role in The Devil Wears Prada.

Streep based her performance on some surprising people

When the cast gathered for the first table read, there was much anticipation to see how Streep would approach Miranda. Contrary to expectations of a domineering voice, she surprised everyone with a whisper-like tone that captured the essence of her character. Hathaway recounted the moment, noting how it left the entire room in awe.

Streep later revealed that her inspiration for Miranda's voice came from Clint Eastwood, known for his quiet authority. By adopting this unique approach, Streep effectively conveyed Miranda’s formidable presence, demonstrating that power doesn’t always have to be loud.

Hathaway had to gain—and then lose—weight for the film

When Hathaway accepted the role, the producers requested