Actor Meryl Streep has shed fresh light on the inspiration behind her iconic portrayal of Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, challenging long-held assumptions about the character's origins.
In a recent interview with People, Streep dismissed the widely held belief that the role was modelled on fashion editor Anna Wintour. Instead, she revealed that two figures from the film world - Mike Nichols and Clint Eastwood - shaped her approach.
"I was basically imitating Mike Nichols that whole time," Streep said, adding, "If Mike Nichols and Clint Eastwood had a baby... it would be Miranda Priestly."
She explained that Nichols' style of leadership informed the character's sharp yet often humorous authority. "The command on the set. And Mike would do it sort of with a sly humour," she said. "People take it as mean, but it's funny. I think it's funny."
Eastwood, she noted, contributed a contrasting influence through his understated presence. "Clint would never raise his voice," Streep said, adding, "He would direct and people had to lean forward to hear what he was saying."
Streep revealed that Nichols was aware of the inspiration and appreciated it. "I told Mike, and he was thrilled," she said, adding that she has not shared the same with Eastwood.
Reflecting on the film's early reception, Streep said it was initially dismissed as a "chick-flick", which affected its budget and positioning at the time.