The Devil Wears Prada may seem like an average chick flick, but really, it’s so much more than that. The tale of assistant Andy Sachs and her journey from aspiring writer to fashion assistant to backstabber to real person again is full of humor, charm, and enough couture to choke a horse. The film also launched the career of Emily Blunt, made Anne Hathaway a viable adult actress (she was known for doing The Princess Diaries more than anything else), and further gave credence that films marketed to women and starring women (especially Meryl Streep) can do remarkably well at the box office. That’s all apparent, but there are many things that I bet you didn’t know about The Devil Wears Prada .
Based on the Lauren Weisberger novel of the same name, The Devil Wears Prada was a hit from the minute it hit the shelves. I mean, the movie rights were purchased pretty much the minute the book hit shelves. While the ending is a little different between the book and movie versions, both are still satisfying. It’s been rumored that Miranda Priestly has been modeled after Vogue head Anna Wintour. It could be true, it could not be true – I always think speculation is more fun than actual confirmation. Ten years after its release, these facts about the movie, though, are more than just speculating.
1. Only One Designer Appears In The Film
Though many are mentioned, Valentino Garavani is the only legendary fashion designer who opted to be in the movie. He also designed the dress that Miranda wears during the museum benefit.
2. Meryl Streep Almost Walked Away
Meryl Streep loved the script to The Devil Wears Prada, and she was ready to be in the movie — until producers offered her a salary that was downright laughable. She said, “Thanks, but no thanks,” and the producers quickly doubled the offer. You have to ask for what you want, Meryl!
3. Stanley Tucci Was A Late Arrival To Set
The role of Nigel was especially plagued by scheduling conflicts, and it was hard to find an actor to play him. Luckily, Stanley Tucci was able to fill those shoes, accepting only three days before shooting for his character began.
4. The Elias-Clarke Building Is A Publishing Empire
The exterior of the Elias-Clarke (which is not a real company) building in The Devil Wears Prada is actually the McGraw-Hill building in Midtown Manhattan, responsible for publishing textbooks and other scholastic materials.
5. Streep Got Her Voice From Clint Eastwood
Streep told Variety, “He never, ever, ever raises his voice and everyone has to lean in to listen, and he is automatically the most powerful person in the room.” That sure sounds like Miranda Priestly to me, doesn’t it?
6. There Were Plenty Of Auditions
Over 100 sets of twins auditioned for the roles of Miranda’s bratty twin daughters, Cassidy and Caroline. That must have been one weird day on set.
7. It Made The Stars Literal Family
Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci are actually family, thanks to the film. Tucci met Blunt’s sister, Felicity, at Blunt’s wedding to John Krasinski, which wouldn’t have happened had they not been in the movie together. They married a few years later.
8. Emily Blunt Had To Go On A Diet
You know how Emily is one stomach flu away from her goal weight? Blunt was also asked to lose weight to play her very thin, very high-strung character, who was rumored to be based on writer and editor Plum Sykes.
9. Anne Hathaway Wasn’t The Original Andy
The studio wanted Rachel McAdams to play Andy Sachs, but she was too busy filming The Family Stone and wanted to do more independent films, anyway. Juliette Lewis and Claire Danes also auditioned for the role, but luckily, Hathaway was ready and waiting.
10. The Budget Was Tight
All of the clothes that Miranda wears in the movie cost about $1,000,000, but since Patricia Field’s budget for costumes was only $100,000, she ended up borrowing a lot of the pieces.
11. It Was All For Charity
But what about the pieces that Field opted to buy instead of borrow? Miranda’s wardrobe was auctioned off for charity, so you can never say Miranda Priestly didn’t do anything nice.
Images: Twentieth Century Fox; Giphy (11)
