Meryl Streep has expressed a pointed critique of the contemporary film industry, specifically addressing what she describes as a tendency to “Marvel-ize” cinematic characters. The Academy Award-winning actress characterized the trend of flattening complex personalities into binary heroes and villains as “so boring,” advocating for the nuanced storytelling that has defined her storied career.
The comments come as Streep reprises her iconic role as Miranda Priestly in the newly released sequel to The Devil Wears Prada. Two decades after the original film’s debut, Streep reunited with co-stars Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci for a story that sees Hathaway’s Andy Sachs returning to Runway magazine as a senior editor. The sequel explores the evolving dynamic between the two women in a vastly different media landscape.
Reflecting on her portrayal of the formidable Editor-in-Chief, Streep emphasized the importance of character depth. While the original film turned Priestly’s sharp-tongued observations into cultural touchstones, Streep noted that the sequel offers a more “realistic view” of the character’s complexities. Speaking with Hits Radio Breakfast Show host Fleur East, Streep explained that she appreciates the “messier” reality of human nature over the simplified archetypes often found in modern blockbusters.
“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,” Streep remarked. She further elaborated that the most compelling narratives are those where heroes are flawed and villains possess human strengths and interesting motivations.
Critical reception for the film has been positive, with reviewers noting that while the sequel’s version of Priestly may be slightly less “devilish” than her predecessor in the smartphone era, she remains a formidable presence capable of delivering devastating critiques. The film has been described as a sophisticated update on a classic, maintaining the sharp wit of the original while expanding on the emotional lives of its protagonists.
The production is further bolstered by a high-profile soundtrack featuring three original songs by Lady Gaga, including the Doechii collaboration ‘Runway,’ ‘Shape Of A Woman,’ and ‘Glamorous Life.’ The film also incorporates tracks from major artists such as Miley Cyrus, Raye, Dua Lipa, and SZA, creating a contemporary sonic backdrop for the high-fashion drama.