According to multiple sources from Variety, actress Meryl Streep, who plays editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly, was considered a key factor by 20th Century Studios in ensuring the film's appeal. Therefore, the production company offered her compensation commensurate with her top-tier status in Hollywood for decades.
Despite potentially commanding a higher fee, the actress reportedly received 12,5 million USD (nearly 329 billion VND) for this return. Moreover, she helped her two co-stars, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt, secure similar agreements during negotiations.
Sources indicate that the three stars signed under a "favored nations" model, a clause ensuring lead actors receive equal salaries. This move is seen as Meryl Streep's way of protecting the collective spirit that contributed to the franchise's long-term success. In addition to their eight-figure salaries, all three are eligible for attractive revenue bonuses based on box office performance. When the film surpasses pre-agreed revenue milestones, the cast will receive additional bonuses.
According to Box Office Mojo statistics, the film has currently earned over 268 million USD globally after 10 days of release. If the film maintains its box office appeal, each actor could potentially earn over 20 million USD.
Variety notes that Meryl Streep made a wise decision by trusting the potential of The Devil Wears Prada 2 early on. Screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna stated that about two years ago, the actress expressed readiness for a sequel, laying the foundation for the project to move forward.
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Meryl Streep's portrayal in "The Devil Wears Prada 2". Photo: 20th Century Studios |
While receiving a substantial fee for her return as Miranda Priestly, this is not Streep's highest career compensation. According to Variety, she was paid more for her role as the US president in Netflix's Don't Look Up (2021). Unlike the traditional model of major film studios, Netflix often calculates the hypothetical revenue a film might achieve in theaters. The platform then adds a supplementary payment to replace box office bonuses.
The original film, released in 2006, had a budget of approximately 35 million USD and grossed 326 million USD globally, becoming one of Hollywood's most successful fashion-themed films. For the sequel, the production budget is around 100 million USD. Director David Frankel once stated that most of the investment was allocated to the cast.
The Devil Wears Prada is inspired by Lauren Weisberger's novel of the same name and directed by David Frankel. The first installment centered on the life of recent college graduate Andy Sachs. Through her resilience and intelligence, she gradually won over Runway fashion magazine's editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly. However, Andy lost herself and her close relationships in the process.
Box Office Mojo statistics show the film achieved over 326 million USD in revenue, nine times its production cost. The work became one of Hollywood's most successful fashion films, receiving two Oscar nominations, one Golden Globe Award, and many other film accolades. The fashion aspect, overseen by stylist Patricia Field, showcased the glamour of high fashion.
The first film concluded with Andy leaving Runway magazine to work for a newspaper in new york. In the next installment, Miranda Priestly must navigate challenges amid a declining publishing industry and confront former employee Emily Charlton (played by Emily Blunt), now a powerful executive in the fashion industry. The production budget for the sequel is approximately 100 million USD. Director David Frankel previously mentioned that a significant portion of the investment went to the cast.
Currently, The Devil Wears Prada 2 is in its second week of release, competing with Mortal Kombat II for the top spot at the box office. The film is expected to earn an additional 42 million USD in north america, pushing its total global revenue past 300 million USD.
Cat Tien (according to Variety)
