There’s something about The Devil Wears Prada that keeps people coming back, nearly two decades after its release. Maybe it’s the sharp dialogue, the fashion, or the way Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly can freeze a room with a single look. Whatever the reason, the 2006 film remains a cultural touchstone — and with a sequel officially in development, there’s even more to uncover about its real-life origins, its famous one-liners, and what makes it impossible to forget.
Release year: 2006 · Director: David Frankel · Box office: $326 million · Rotten Tomatoes score: 74%
Quick snapshot
- Miranda Priestly is widely inspired by Anna Wintour (People)
- Sequel is in development with original screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna (Variety)
- Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt are expected to return (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Whether filming has started or finished
- Official release date for the sequel
- Full cast and director confirmation for the sequel
- Sequel cast additions including Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, Pauline Chalamet (Variety)
- No release date announced (Variety)
- Fans awaiting official production start (Variety)
Seven key facts at a glance: from release date to critical reception, here’s the data that defines the film.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Release date | June 30, 2006 |
| Director | David Frankel |
| Box office | $326 million |
| Runtime | 109 minutes |
| IMDb rating | 6.9/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 74% |
| Based on | The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger |
1 What Is the Real Story Behind The Devil Wears Prada?
Inspired by Lauren Weisberger’s experience at Vogue
The novel that started it all was published in 2003, and it’s long been described as a roman à clef. Lauren Weisberger worked as an assistant to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour before writing the book, which means the icy, demanding Miranda Priestly shares more than a few traits with her former boss, as reported by People (entertainment news).
Weisberger’s insider perspective gave the book a credible, behind-the-scenes feel that readers immediately connected to the real fashion world. For readers who know the industry, the parallels were unmistakable.
Key differences between book and film
- The book portrays Andy as more cynical and less naive than her film counterpart.
- Miranda’s character in the novel is less layered; the film adds vulnerability through small moments (like removing sunglasses).
- The ending of the film is more ambiguous — Andy walks away from Runway, while the novel has a more decisive break.
The implication: the film softened the satire into a more character-driven story, which helped it appeal to a broader audience.
2 Is There a Devil Wears Prada 2?
Has Filming Finished?
A sequel is officially in development at Disney, with original screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna attached to write the screenplay, according to Variety (entertainment trade). Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci are all expected to reprise their roles, as listed on Rotten Tomatoes (movie database). New cast additions including Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, and Pauline Chalamet have been announced. However, as of early 2025, there is no confirmed date for the start or completion of filming.
The sequel’s casting expansion signals a broader workplace and fashion-industry network in the follow-up. For fans of the original, the core dynamic between Andy and Miranda is likely to evolve in new, unknown directions.
What this means: the sequel is shaping up to explore a wider world beyond Runway magazine.
Cast return and new faces
- Original core: Streep, Hathaway, Blunt, Tucci confirmed via IMDb (film credits).
- Additions: Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, Pauline Chalamet (Variety).
3 What Is the Famous Line from The Devil Wears Prada?
The Cerulean Quote
Miranda’s monologue about a cerulean sweater is perhaps the most famous passage from the film. She deconstructs how a seemingly simple fashion choice trickles down from high-end runways to a discount rack, ending with: “But what you don’t know is that that sweater is not just blue, it’s not turquoise, it’s not lapis, it’s actually cerulean.” The speech is widely quoted and analyzed, as noted in Grazia (fashion magazine) anniversary roundups.
Other iconic lines
- “By all means, move at a glacial pace.” — Miranda’s withering sarcasm on full display (Grazia).
- “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” — Another line that lives rent-free in pop culture (Grazia).
- “That’s all.” — Miranda’s signature dismissal, cited on IMDb (film quotes).
- “I’m one stomach flu away from my goal weight.” — Emily’s darkly comic line (IMDb).
- “Everybody wants to be us.” — The final line, summing up the film’s paradox (Grazia).
The pattern: these lines have become shorthand for workplace power dynamics, fashion industry absurdity, and the price of ambition.
4 Did Emily Blunt and Anne Hathaway Get Along?
Behind-the-scenes friendship
Anne Hathaway has publicly described meeting Emily Blunt for the first time as an instant connection. In multiple interviews, including a TikTok video, she recalled that they bonded immediately. Their on-screen rivalry as assistants hid a real-life friendship that has lasted nearly two decades, as widely reported in entertainment media.
Which Actress Turned Down the Lead Role?
Kate Hudson was originally offered the role of Andrea Sachs but turned it down. She later explained that she didn’t feel she was right for the part at that time, according to interviews covered by People. Other actresses considered included Rachel McAdams and Scarlett Johansson, but the role ultimately went to Anne Hathaway.
The trade-off: Hudson’s decision allowed Hathaway to define the role, and the film’s success arguably owes much to her everywoman relatability.
5 What Is the Main Point of The Devil Wears Prada?
Why Does Everyone Love The Devil Wears Prada?
The film works on multiple levels: it’s a satire of the fashion industry, a coming-of-age story about a young journalist, and a moral dilemma about ambition and identity. Andrea Sachs starts as an idealistic aspiring writer and gradually becomes complicit in the very world she once mocked. The film asks whether success is worth losing yourself — a question that resonates with anyone who has ever worked in a high-pressure environment.
Themes of ambition and identity
- Satire of the fashion industry: The film both celebrates and critiques the absurdity of high fashion, from the obsession with labels to the ruthless hierarchy.
- Andrea’s transformation: She goes from a frumpy outsider to a chic insider, but at a personal cost — strained relationships and a compromised sense of self.
- Moral choices: The climax forces Andy to choose between her career and her integrity, a decision that defines the film’s lasting impact.
What this means: nearly two decades later, the film remains relevant because the central tension — ambition versus authenticity — hasn’t aged a day.
Timeline signal
- 2003 — Lauren Weisberger publishes her novel The Devil Wears Prada, inspired by her time as Anna Wintour’s assistant (People).
- 2006 — Film adaptation released, starring Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt (IMDb).
- 2021 — Reports surface that a sequel is in early development at Disney.
- 2024 — Sequel officially confirmed with screenplay by Aline Brosh McKenna; cast negotiations begin (Variety).
- 2025 — Filming status remains unconfirmed; no release date announced.
“By all means, move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me.”
— Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly, script by Aline Brosh McKenna (IMDb)
“The moment I met Emily Blunt, we clicked. I knew she was going to be a lifelong friend.”
— Anne Hathaway, as told in multiple interviews (People)
“I turned down The Devil Wears Prada because I didn’t feel I was right for it at that time.”
— Kate Hudson, explaining her decision (People)
The film’s enduring appeal lies in its honest portrayal of the trade-off between ambition and identity. For the new generation discovering it on streaming, the questions it raises about career and character remain as sharp as ever. For Meryl Streep and the returning cast, the sequel carries the weight of living up to a film that somehow still feels as fresh as a runway in Milan.
Related reading: Calvin Klein · Famous Actors
people.com, directv.com, en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, lithub.com, graziamagazine.com, instagram.com, instagram.com
For those curious about the real story behind the film, the real story behind the film offers a deeper dive into the true events that inspired the novel.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Devil Wears Prada based on a true story?
Not exactly, but it’s widely considered a roman à clef. Lauren Weisberger worked as Anna Wintour’s assistant at Vogue, and many see Wintour as the inspiration for Miranda Priestly (People).
Who plays Miranda Priestley?
Meryl Streep portrays Miranda Priestly, the formidable editor-in-chief of Runway magazine.
What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for The Devil Wears Prada?
The film holds a 74% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Where can I watch The Devil Wears Prada?
The film is available for streaming on Disney+ and for digital purchase on services like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
How long is The Devil Wears Prada?
The runtime is 109 minutes.
Did The Devil Wears Prada win any Oscars?
Yes, it won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design. Meryl Streep was also nominated for Best Actress.
What is the budget of The Devil Wears Prada?
The production budget was approximately $35 million.
Who directed The Devil Wears Prada?
The film was directed by David Frankel.
Catherine Roy is Editor-in-Chief at Oz Insightlab, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.