Anne Hathaway Takes Stand Against 'Skeletal' Models in Devil Wears Prada Sequel
Meryl Streep has publicly praised Anne Hathaway for her proactive role in ensuring The Devil Wears Prada 2 represents realistic and healthy beauty standards. In a revealing interview with Harper's Bazaar, Streep disclosed that Hathaway made direct appeals to producers after both actresses were disturbed by the extreme thinness of models during a Dolce & Gabbana runway show at Milan Fashion Week.
Milan Fashion Week Experience Sparks Action
The cast members attended the prestigious fashion event in September last year while filming the highly anticipated sequel. Streep admitted she was struck by how alarmingly thin the models appeared on the runway, noting that she believed such issues had been addressed years earlier in the industry.
"Annie clocked it too, and she made a beeline to the producers about it, securing promises that the models in the show that we were putting together for our film would not be so skeletal!" Streep told the magazine. "She's a stand-up girl."
Return of Iconic Characters and Cast
The Devil Wears Prada 2 marks the reunion of the original principal cast after two decades, with Hathaway, Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci all returning to their memorable roles. Director David Frankel has also come back to helm the sequel, which continues the story years after the original film's events.
Released in 2006, the first film earned widespread critical acclaim and achieved remarkable commercial success with $326 million at the global box office. Based on Lauren Weisberger's 2003 novel, the movie introduced audiences to Streep's formidable fashion editor Miranda Priestly, a role that earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
Plot Details and Cast Reflections
The sequel, scheduled for theatrical release on May 1, will explore Miranda Priestly's conflict with Emily Charlton, played by Emily Blunt, who has transformed from assistant to rival executive. Their competition centers on limited advertising revenue amid the ongoing decline of print media.
In a separate interview with Porter magazine, Blunt humorously described returning to the fashion-focused production as a "rude awakening," particularly given her personal preference for casual, baggy clothing in daily life. "I don't love wearing heels, so getting back to The Devil Wears Prada has been a rude awakening for all of us," the British actress confessed.
Blunt also expressed surprise at the enduring popularity of the original film, noting that none of the cast anticipated its "meteoric life" and continued cultural significance. "Of course, I meet people who will quote the movie to me, but I'm not sure I've ever been hit with a bombardment of the realization of what the movie is to people coming back to the film set," she added.
Industry Impact and Cultural Relevance
Hathaway's intervention represents a significant moment in ongoing conversations about body image and representation within the fashion and entertainment industries. By ensuring the sequel features models who reflect more realistic body types, the production aligns with growing demands for healthier beauty standards in media.
The original film's lasting impact continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, with Blunt noting that cast members regularly express amazement at the project's cultural footprint. The sequel promises to address contemporary issues while maintaining the sharp wit and fashion industry insights that made the first installment so beloved.
