The Devil Wears Prada at 20: The Creation of a Pop Culture Icon

      Hasitha Fernando reflects on the background of The Devil Wears Prada as the film commemorates its 20th anniversary…

      The Devil Wears Prada is an exceptional comedy-drama that skillfully merges sharp satire, clever dialogue, and strong performances while offering a novel twist on the classic fish-out-of-water narrative. The film provides a unique insight into the rigorous demands of the fashion industry and the tumultuous dynamics of a workplace dominated by a perfectionist boss with lofty expectations. As The Devil Wears Prada marks its 20th anniversary, we revisit the story behind the film and its journey to becoming a pop culture phenomenon…

      The Devil Wears Prada was Lauren Weisberger's first novel

      Imagine releasing your first novel and watching it sell over a million copies, secure a spot on the New York Times bestseller list, and be translated into more than forty languages. This was the remarkable journey of Lauren Weisberger and her acclaimed work The Devil Wears Prada. After graduating with an English degree from Cornell University, Weisberger embarked on a journey through Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Upon her return to the U.S., she settled in Manhattan and shortly thereafter took on the role of personal assistant to Vogue's editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. Wintour is widely regarded as a formidable presence in publishing, having led Vogue in the past and presently serving as Condé Nast's global content officer and artistic director. While she is lauded for her keen ability to spot emerging fashion trends, Wintour has also faced criticism for her demanding nature and often perceived arrogance.

      Weisberger had the chance to witness this firsthand during her ten months at Vogue. She later left to work for the American Express publication Departures. During this time, she began to write about her experiences at Vogue as a newcomer in the fashion world under Wintour's supervision. Encouraged by her friends, she shared her manuscript with a few agents, eventually selling it within weeks. Though fictionalized, the novel gained attention due to Weisberger's real-life experiences within the fashion industry.

      Adapting the source material was a complex endeavor

      20th Century Fox secured the rights to Weisberger's manuscript, which was only a hundred pages long with a narrative outline. Several screenwriters contributed to the project, with Peter Hedges crafting the first draft. Uncredited revisions were later made by Howard Michael Gould, Paul Rudnick, and Don Roos. However, the initial story felt too much like a traditional chick flick, lacking the sharp satire and humor that came to define the final version. Once director David Frankel joined the team, he provided detailed notes to producer Wendy Finerman about his vision for the film, aiming to present it as a coming-of-age story for protagonist Andy Sachs. The studio then enlisted Aline Brosh McKenna, who wrote Laws of Attraction, to revise the screenplay according to Frankel’s input, placing a stronger focus on the intricate yet close relationship between Andy and Miranda.

      Anne Hathaway was not the initial choice for Andy Sachs

      It’s hard to believe that Anne Hathaway was the ninth choice for the role of Andy Sachs, as Fox initially sought a more established dramatic actress. At that time, Hathaway was primarily known for her roles in teen-oriented films such as The Princess Diaries and Ella Enchanted. However, she was determined to win the role, passionately advocating for it by even visiting Fox executives to make her case. It was only when Meryl Streep recognized her compelling performance in Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain and contacted the studio to recommend Hathaway that the actress began to gain traction. To prepare for the role, Hathaway volunteered for a week at an auction house to better understand the responsibilities of a personal assistant. Before Hathaway's casting, Rachel McAdams was approached several times but declined due to a lack of interest. Other actresses considered for Andy's role included Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Hudson, Claire Danes, Juliette Lewis, and Kirsten Dunst.

      Emily Blunt's casting was somewhat serendipitous

      Now a highly acclaimed actress with numerous awards to her name, Emily Blunt was an emerging talent when she was cast in The Devil Wears Prada. Before this role, she had only appeared in Pawel Pawlikowski’s My Summer of Love in 2004. During this time, Blunt auditioned for the fantasy film Eragon, also produced by 20th Century Fox. After several unsuccessful attempts, a producer from The Devil Wears Prada decided to give her an opportunity and asked her to send in an audition tape. After seeing her audition, the producers requested a second audition, this time with her dressed similarly to her character, as she had worn flip-flops and jeans in the original tape. Although her character, Emily, was not initially British, Blunt chose to use her English accent, which the producers liked so much that they decided to keep it.

      Meryl