It’s not every day that the fashion world’s most famous editor-in-chief breaks her silence about the blockbuster film that’s long been rumored to be based on her life. But Anna Wintour, the legendary former editor-in-chief of Vogue, has finally opened up about her real feelings toward The Devil Wears Prada—just as a sequel to the iconic movie gears up for release.
During a recent appearance on The New Yorker Radio Hour podcast, Wintour, now 75, spoke more candidly than ever about the 2006 film that turned Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly into a pop culture phenomenon. According to CNN and The Blast, Wintour recounted that she attended the movie’s premiere nearly two decades ago “wearing Prada, completely having no idea what the film would be about.” She added, “First of all, it was Meryl Streep, who was fantastic. Then I went to see the film, and I found it very enjoyable. It was very funny.”
For years, Wintour kept her cards close to her chest regarding the movie’s portrayal of her—or at least, of a character widely believed to be inspired by her. The film, based on Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling novel, follows an ambitious young journalist who lands a coveted job at a high-powered fashion magazine under the rule of a demanding and exacting editor. Weisberger, notably, once served as Wintour’s assistant, a fact that only fueled speculation about the real-life inspiration behind Miranda Priestly.
Wintour’s latest remarks reveal a sense of humor and perspective about the film’s legacy. “I think that the fashion industry were very sweetly concerned for me about the film, that it was going to paint me in some kind of difficult light,” she told The New Yorker. Despite those concerns, she said she found the movie “highly enjoyable” and “very funny.” She even admitted to discussing the film with Miuccia Bianchi, the head designer at Prada, quipping, “I say to her: ‘Well, it was really good for you.’”
It’s hard to overstate the movie’s impact. The Devil Wears Prada was a box office smash, grossing more than $300 million worldwide, as The Blast reported. Meryl Streep’s turn as Miranda Priestly didn’t just win her the Golden Globe for Best Actress; it also earned nominations at the Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, SAG Awards, and Critics’ Choice ceremony. Emily Blunt, who played the senior assistant Emily Charlton, was also singled out for praise by Wintour: “It was Emily Blunt—they were all wonderful. And in the end I thought it was a fair assessment.”
Wintour’s appreciation for the film goes beyond its entertainment value. She explained, “What I liked about the film is that it really showed all the hard work that goes into creating a magazine.” That acknowledgment, coming from the woman who has shaped Vogue for decades, offers a rare peek behind the glossy covers and high fashion into the demanding reality of the industry.
But the story doesn’t end there. As of September 2025, filming for a sequel to The Devil Wears Prada is already underway, according to multiple sources including PEOPLE and Variety. The new film is set to bring back Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, with Anne Hathaway also returning to her role as the earnest Andy Sachs. The sequel reportedly follows Miranda Priestly as she navigates her career amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing, squaring off against Blunt’s character, now a high-powered executive for a luxury group whose advertising dollars Priestly desperately needs. The film is slated for worldwide release on May 1, 2026.
Wintour’s own career is also in the midst of a transition. She recently stepped down from her long-held role as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, a move that sent shockwaves through the fashion community and social media alike. One user wrote, “It don’t even seem right, when you see Vogue, you see Anna Wintour.” Another, in a more dramatic vein, compared her departure to the tragic events of 9/11—an extreme reaction, perhaps, but a testament to her iconic status in the industry.
Despite stepping down from the top job at Vogue, Wintour isn’t leaving the publishing world altogether. She remains Global Content Officer of Condé Nast, the media giant that oversees not just Vogue but also Glamour, Vanity Fair, and GQ. Wintour’s continued influence ensures her vision will still shape the world of fashion journalism, even as a new era begins at Vogue.
That new era is already stirring controversy. Wintour recently announced Chloe Malle—the daughter of actress Candice Bergen and film director Louis Malle—as Vogue’s new lead editor. The choice was met with a flurry of online criticism, with detractors accusing Malle of benefiting from nepotism. Wintour, however, firmly rejected those claims during another podcast appearance, as reported by PEOPLE. “We saw a lot of amazing candidates,” she explained. “Chloe consistently came back with the clearest vision and the most original ideas and understanding of what a Vogue is.”
For all the drama, both on and off the screen, it’s clear that The Devil Wears Prada continues to cast a long shadow over the fashion world. The film’s biting wit, unforgettable performances, and behind-the-scenes look at the making of a magazine have turned it into a cultural touchstone—one that even its rumored inspiration can’t help but enjoy. As Wintour herself put it, “It had a lot of wit. It had Meryl Streep. I mean, it was Emily Blunt, [and] they were all amazing. In the end, I thought it was a fair shot.”
With a sequel on the way and a changing of the guard at Vogue, the fashion industry stands at a fascinating crossroads. Whether art imitates life or vice versa, the world will be watching closely as both Anna Wintour and Miranda Priestly embark on their next chapters.
