Meryl Streep Jokes About PTSD From Wearing High Heels

On February 4, 2026, Meryl Streep shared humorous remarks about her discomfort while filming The Devil Wears Prada sequel, revealing she experienced what she described as

“PTSD from wearing high heels for 16 weeks.”

The renowned actress returned as Miranda Priestly, facing the physical demands of embodying the fashion icon once again, highlighting the challenges behind her character’s striking appearance.

Adapting Miranda Priestly’s Signature Style for the Sequel

At 76 years old, Streep resumed her role as the formidable fashion editor, acknowledging that though Miranda Priestly’s look has evolved over 20 years, it remains distinct and polished. Streep told Vogue magazine that her character’s style in the follow-up is sleeker and more refined than before. The actress also lightheartedly noted the struggle of wearing designer heels for long periods, feeling it warranted special recognition for endurance.

She said,

“As a person holding her position for 20 years, [Miranda] kept her look but adapted it, as we do with time. But I almost had PTSD from wearing high heels for 16 weeks. I feel like I should get a Medal of Freedom!”

– Meryl Streep, Actress

Returning Cast Members and Their Character Transformations

Streep’s co-stars Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt also reprised their roles in the sequel, portraying Andy Sachs and Emily Charlton respectively. Emily Blunt revealed she wore a wig to portray her character’s iconic red bob hairstyle, citing the difficulty of maintaining such a vibrant color during filming.

She explained,

“You see a flash of it [the red hair] and people know it’s her [the character]. But it was a wig – that kind of red is too hard to maintain!”

– Emily Blunt, Actress

Anne Hathaway’s character, Andy, now sports a wardrobe emphasizing fashion, which required some explanation regarding how a working reporter could afford designer clothes. Hathaway created a backstory in which Andy becomes an investigative journalist, traveling internationally for 15 years, and learning to shop at consignment stores with a Runway magazine education.

Meryl Streep
Image of: Meryl Streep

She shared,

“I made it an actual story point in the film that we had to explain how somebody who, working as a writer in these times, could have a fabulous wardrobe. I pitched that Andy went on to do investigative journalism, traveled the world for 15 years… and when you’ve had an education at a place like [fictional magazine] Runway, you know what to do when you see a consignment shop. So she’s been thrifting for the better part of 20 years.”

– Anne Hathaway, Actress

Encouraging Fans to Embrace Fashion for the Film’s Release

Anne Hathaway expressed hope that moviegoers would celebrate the sequel by dressing up, inspired by the fashion-forward themes of the story. She referred to the enthusiasm seen during other recent films where fans embraced bold styles, urging audiences to do the same for the new release featuring Meryl Streep’s iconic character.

Hathaway added,

“I hope people remember how much fun they had wearing hot pink and going to see Barbie. I’m hoping that everybody puts on their favorite Miranda Priestly-approved outfit and just has a blast.”

– Anne Hathaway, Actress

The Impact of Meryl Streep’s Commitment to Fashion in Film

Meryl Streep’s dedication to physically embodying Miranda Priestly, including enduring weeks of wearing high heels, underscores the actress’s commitment to authenticity in her roles. The sequel’s updated look for Miranda alongside the return of beloved characters highlights a blend of continuity and evolution in this celebrated franchise. Fans can anticipate a stylish cinematic experience that honors the original while offering fresh perspectives on iconic characters.