Meryl Streep‘s Miranda Priestly has always resisted easy categorization, as a prickly boss whose foundation is ultimately much more understanding. The Devil Wears Prada 2 star said in a recent interview that she appreciates how nuanced her character can be.
During a conversation with Hits Radio Breakfast Show‘s, interviewer Fleur East pointed out that the sequel to the 2006 romantic dramedy further explores a softer side to the Runway editor-in-chief in a way that feels particularly intimate.
“I don’t know. I feel like you get a realistic view,” the three-time Oscar winner said. “I think when we tend to Marvel-ize the movies now — we got the villains and we got the good guys — and it’s so boring.”
She continued, “And what’s really interesting about life is that some of the heroes are flawed and some of the villains are human and interesting and have their own strengths. So that’s what I like about this [film]. It’s messier.”
Indeed, the new installment continues former assistant-turned-near-protege Andy Sachs’ (Anne Hathaway) contentious relationship with the HBIC of the glossy. As Miranda faces public outcry and the pressures of a downturning publishing industry, Andy once again strives for her approval amid her steadfast pursuit of rigorous journalism.
The sequel also reunites Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman, with Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, Pauline Chalamet, Rachel Bloom, Patrick Brammall, Conrad Ricamora and Lady Gaga also joining the cast.
Though some reviews, including Deadline’s, have been lackluster, the film is a hit with audiences at both the box office and in the court of public opinion.
