$2 Million Is an 'Insult': How Much Meryl Streep Was Ultimately Paid to Star in 'The Devil Wears Prada'

Today I want to talk about a film that’s become a true cult classic — The Devil Wears Prada. Released in 2006 and based on Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling novel, this movie has long transcended its initial story about the glamorous world of fashion magazines. It’s now a sharp, insightful look at ambition, success, and the tough choices we all face.

At the heart of the film are two unforgettable characters: the naive Andy Sachs and the formidable Miranda Priestly. Director David Frankel masterfully explores the high price of success and the moral dilemmas that come with climbing the career ladder.

Critics raved about Meryl Streep’s performance — her portrayal of Miranda isn’t just a “monster boss,” but a complex woman with layers and vulnerabilities. Truly, her performance elevates the film into something more than just a comedy.

Interestingly, Streep almost didn’t get this iconic role. Initially, the studio was hesitant — they doubted her comedic chops. Producer Wendy Finerman revealed in a podcast that they didn’t see her as fitting into a comedy role at first.

But Streep was eager to show a different side of herself; she wanted to push her boundaries and bring depth to Miranda.

And when she finally accepted, her fee was 2 million—which she found “slightly insulting,”feeling it didn’t reflect her true value. The producers then doubled it to 4 million — four times what Anne Hathaway earned for her part! It’s fascinating how much star power and negotiation went into bringing this unforgettable character to life.