Show summary Hide summary
Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt have quietly turned their Prada return into a major payday. As the sequel cruises past $300 million worldwide, new reporting reveals how the three leads negotiated salaries and incentives to match the film’s runaway success.
What each star was paid for The Devil Wears Prada 2
Insiders tell Variety that the film’s principals landed generous deals to reprise their roles after two decades. Studios placed big bets on star power. The result was large upfront fees plus performance bonuses tied to box office milestones.
Nas slams music industry over disrespect: teases new music, vows to address it
1992 vocal performances: 3 jaw-dropping moments that still amaze
- Meryl Streep — $12.5 million base pay to return as Miranda Priestly.
- Anne Hathaway — $12.5 million, under the same terms as Streep.
- Emily Blunt — $12.5 million as well, mirroring her co-stars.
How the actors locked in parity
The trio negotiated a “favored nations” arrangement. That ensured each lead received equal compensation. Sources say Streep pushed for the shared terms.
- This type of clause prevents the studio from paying one star substantially more than the others.
- It reflects the ensemble nature of the original film and the cast’s box office leverage.
Bonuses and the upside for the cast
Beyond seven-figure salaries, the actors secured box office bonuses. Those incentives are common for major talent on tentpoles. For this film, they began kicking in quickly.
- Bonuses are paid as the movie hits pre-agreed revenue thresholds.
- Sources estimate each lead could surpass $20 million total if the film keeps drawing crowds.
The incentives already started paying out, thanks to the film’s strong opening weekend and ongoing global performance.
Studio response and representation
Representatives for 20th Century Studios and the agency CAA declined to comment. A spokesperson for Streep also had no comment. Reps for Hathaway and Blunt did not immediately respond to requests.
Why Streep was the linchpin
Filmmakers viewed Streep as essential to the sequel’s appeal. Her return helped secure financing and publicity. Still, sources say she could have negotiated a larger fee.
Her decision to equalize pay with her co-stars was framed as both strategic and collegial. It honored the original film’s collaborative spirit.
Budget, past performance and context
The sequel carried a reported $100 million budget. Director David Frankel has said much of that went to casting and talent. By comparison, the 2006 original was made for about $35 million.
- The first film grossed roughly $326 million worldwide.
- “Prada 2” is pushing past $300 million globally in its early release window.
How streaming-era deals compare
Streep’s largest single-fee work, according to the reporting, came from Netflix’s Don’t Look Up. Streaming platforms often pay differently. They may offer a back-end buyout rather than traditional box office bonuses.
That model replaces contingent earnings with an upfront payment calculated from estimated theatrical returns.
Box office outlook and competition
The sequel heads into its second wide weekend in theaters. Industry forecasts suggested a tight race with Mortal Kombat II for the No. 1 spot.
Analysts projected a second-weekend haul as high as $42 million domestically. Continued momentum could push the film’s global total further above $300 million.
