Meryl Streep, returning as Miranda Priestly in the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, shared that wearing high heels for weeks on end during filming caused her considerable discomfort. The sequel, which finished filming in October 2025 and is scheduled for release in 2026, brought back much of the original cast alongside new additions. While the actors enjoyed working together on set, Streep admitted that maintaining Miranda’s iconic style came with unexpected physical strain.
The Enduring Fashion of Miranda Priestly and Its Demands
The character of Miranda Priestly remains one of cinema’s most infamous female antagonists, yet Streep’s colleagues praise her warmth and professionalism off-screen. Returning to the role after two decades, Streep was enthusiastic about reprising Miranda but found one aspect particularly taxing: the footwear. She explained the toll of wearing high heels throughout the 16 weeks of shooting.
“As a person holding her position for 20 years, she 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
This statement highlights how the stylistic consistency of Miranda Priestly’s character came with real physical challenges for Streep, underlining the often-overlooked demands of fashion in film performance. Though she joked about deserving a medal, the actress’s candid admission reveals how enduring style choices can impact actors during extended shoots.
Balancing Tradition and Comfort in Costume Design
Despite the discomfort, Streep and the costume team ensured Miranda’s wardrobe continued to reflect her authoritative presence. The character’s style remains a crucial part of her identity as editor-in-chief of Runway magazine, an influential fashion publication. Costume designer Molly Rogers shared that the cast had substantial input in updating their looks to mirror character growth since the original film.
For instance, Anne Hathaway influenced Andy’s wardrobe to emphasize her evolved role within journalism. Meanwhile, Miranda’s attire retained powerful elements such as striking gowns and signature high heels, symbolizing control and influence in the fashion world. However, Streep requested more pants instead of skirts or dresses for comfort, a compromise that featured prominently in the sequel’s outfits previewed in promotional material.
Fashion Influence and Industry Connections on Set
In preparation for the sequel, the cast attended high-profile events like Milan Fashion Week, where they observed runway shows alongside fashion heavyweights, including Anna Wintour. This connection between the fictional Miranda Priestly and the real-life Vogue editor-in-chief adds a meta layer to the film’s fashion credibility. The experience seemed to inspire the actors, particularly Streep, as they embraced their stylish roles.
Wearing heels remains a symbolic demonstration of Miranda’s power, and though it challenged Streep physically, it was essential to maintaining the character’s iconic image. The actor’s ability to push through these demands reflects her dedication to authenticity in bringing Miranda Priestly back to life on screen.
Looking Ahead to the Film’s Release and Reception
As anticipation builds for The Devil Wears Prada sequel, scheduled to debut on May 1st, fans eagerly await to see how the updated characters and storylines will unfold. Streep’s personal sacrifice in enduring long hours in heels underscores the commitment behind the glamour seen on screen. It is hoped that following filming, she, along with the rest of the cast, was afforded well-deserved rest and relief from the physical demands of their roles.
The film promises to revisit the stylish world of high fashion while introducing fresh perspectives through its expanded cast and contemporary wardrobe choices. Given the legendary status of the original and Streep’s award-winning performance, industry observers and audiences alike are watching closely to see if the sequel will garner similar acclaim.
