Meryl Streep and Co-Stars Secure Substantial Paydays for 'Devil Wears Prada 2'

John Lasseter

Former chief creative officer of Pixar, whose principles of storytelling have shaped modern animation.

The highly anticipated sequel to 'The Devil Wears Prada' has not only captivated audiences worldwide but has also ensured significant financial rewards for its leading actresses. Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt each commanded an impressive $12.5 million upfront salary, a testament to their star power and the enduring appeal of the franchise. This substantial compensation was further bolstered by a shrewd negotiating strategy, spearheaded by Streep, which guaranteed equal pay for her co-stars. Beyond their base salaries, the trio stands to gain even more through a series of lucrative box office bonuses, which have already begun to pay out due to the film's exceptional commercial performance, potentially pushing their total earnings past $20 million each.

This financial success story highlights a progressive approach to talent compensation within Hollywood, where established stars like Streep are using their influence to advocate for more equitable pay for their ensemble. The film's strong box office showing underscores the continued demand for quality storytelling and compelling performances, proving that investing in top-tier talent can yield significant returns. As the sequel continues to draw in viewers, the financial windfall for its stars serves as a powerful example of fair compensation in the entertainment industry.

Equitable Compensation and Star Power in Hollywood

The stellar cast of 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' secured remarkable compensation packages, with Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt each receiving a substantial $12.5 million for their roles. This impressive figure reflects not only their individual star power but also the immense anticipation surrounding the sequel to the beloved fashion-centric film. Streep, in particular, was identified as a critical component for the film's success, prompting producers and distributors to craft an offer that honored her esteemed career and market value. Her commitment ensured the return of the formidable Miranda Priestly, a character central to the franchise's enduring popularity.

A significant aspect of these negotiations was Meryl Streep's proactive role in advocating for her co-stars. Instead of maximizing her own earnings at the expense of others, Streep championed a "favored nations" agreement. This innovative deal ensured that Hathaway and Blunt also received the same $12.5 million payout for reprising their iconic roles as Andrea Sachs and Emily Charlton, respectively. This collaborative approach by Streep underscores a commitment to ensemble integrity and fair compensation, recognizing that the collective magic of the cast was paramount to the original film's success and crucial for the sequel's potential. This move not only solidified the financial security of her co-stars but also fostered a spirit of camaraderie that resonated both on and off screen.

Box Office Success and Performance-Based Incentives

Beyond their substantial base salaries, the leading ladies of 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' were poised to benefit significantly from the film's commercial triumph through a series of lucrative box office bonuses. These performance-based incentives, a standard practice for many major film stars, were designed to reward the cast as the movie achieved predetermined milestones in its box office receipts. Thanks to the overwhelming audience response and the film's robust performance, these bonuses have already begun to pay out, adding considerably to the actresses' overall earnings. This structured compensation model incentivizes widespread appeal and rewards the success generated by the film's draw.

The financial projections for 'Prada 2' indicate that if its strong box office trajectory continues, each of the three stars could see their total earnings surpass $20 million. The film has already garnered over $300 million globally, a testament to its broad appeal and the enduring fan base of the original. This success is particularly noteworthy given the sequel's reported budget of $100 million, a substantial portion of which was allocated to securing its high-caliber cast. The film's impressive second weekend performance further solidified its commercial viability, positioning it as a major contender in the global market. This blend of upfront salaries and performance-based bonuses demonstrates a comprehensive approach to valuing talent in a highly competitive industry.