Celebrity
Why Meryl Streep Is Still Considered the Gold Standard in Acting
March 12, 2026

As “The Devil Wears Prada 2” entered production, Anne Hathaway pushed for change behind the scenes. She made a clear request about how models should look in the film, aiming to reflect healthier standards and address concerns she and Meryl Streep observed during filming.
Anne Hathaway took an active role in shaping “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” focusing on how the film would portray beauty and fashion. As the sequel to the 2006 hit moved forward, Hathaway made sure her voice was heard on issues she considered important.

Anne Hathaway attends the 98th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Nearly 20 years after the original film, Hathaway and her co-stars understood the influence “The Devil Wears Prada” had on audiences. With that legacy in mind, Hathaway approached the sequel with a sense of responsibility.
Meryl Streep shared that Hathaway spoke directly with producers about one specific concern: the portrayal of models in the film. Hathaway wanted to ensure the casting reflected healthier and more realistic body standards.

Anne Hathaway (L) and Meryl Streep pose for a photo during a conference for the movie "The Devil Wears Prada 2" at Casa Azul on March 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. | Source: Getty Images
Streep recalled a key moment during production when the cast attended real fashion shows at Milan Fashion Week in 2025. Sitting front row, she noticed something troubling.
She said she was immediately “struck by how not only beautiful and young—everyone seems young to me—but alarmingly thin the models were. … I thought that all had been addressed years ago. Annie clocked it too.”
According to Streep, Hathaway acted quickly. “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! She’s a stand-up girl.”

Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep attend the red carpet for the movie "The Devil Wears Prada 2" at Anahuacalli Museum on March 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. | Source: Getty Images
Hathaway has also spoken openly about her own relationship with beauty and self-image. In the same interview, she reflected on how her perspective has changed over time.
“Some days you look in the mirror and you’re just like, ‘Not bad.’ And some days you look in the mirror and you’re like, ‘What?’” she said.
She added, “When I was expecting to see something that I am not, I felt insecure. But when I actually looked at what it actually is, I was okay with it.”

Anne Hathaway looks on during a Q&A conference for the movie "The Devil Wears Prada 2" at Casa Azul on March 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. | Source: Getty Images
In “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” Hathaway returns as Andy Sachs, a character who first appeared as a recent graduate navigating the fashion world. In the original film, Andy takes a job at Runway magazine, working under Miranda Priestly despite her initial skepticism about fashion.
The role became a defining moment in Hathaway’s career and helped shape her public image. Now, two decades later, she revisits the character at a different stage in life.
The sequel reflects both personal and cultural changes since the first film. Andy’s story continues in a world that has evolved, particularly in how it views ambition, beauty, and success.

Anne Hathaway at the 98th Annual Oscars held at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Since “The Devil Wears Prada,” Hathaway has built a wide-ranging career. She has starred in major films such as “Les Miserables” and “Colossal.”
Off-screen, she is married to producer Adam Shulman, and they share two children. Her personal and professional experiences have shaped her outlook, which now informs her decisions on projects like the sequel.

Anne Hathaway attends God's Love We Deliver 2025 Golden Heart Awards at Cathedral of St. John the Divine on October 20, 2025 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Anne Hathaway’s involvement in “The Devil Wears Prada 2” goes beyond acting. Her efforts to influence how models are portrayed show a commitment to addressing long-standing concerns in the fashion industry. By speaking up, she helped guide the film toward a more thoughtful representation of beauty, aligning the sequel with evolving standards and expectations.